All Women Recommended to Start Getting Annual Mammograms at Age 40: Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer Gives Best Chance of Survival

9/23/2024

TUCSON, AZ – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – the perfect time to schedule a screening mammogram.

The American College of Radiology now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms annually starting at age 40 (different guidelines apply to women at higher risk). These updates recommendations are in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans, and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Here in Arizona, breast cancer is a very commonly diagnosed cancer – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer in women. Across the U.S., 272,454 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2021, the most recent year data is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer-causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Dr. Grace Hou, a breast surgeon at Northwest Breast Surgery at La Cholla. “The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment. A screening mammogram can detect cancer in its earliest stages, before any symptoms – such as a lump – occur. This can prevent spreading of the disease, as well as an earlier start to life-saving treatment – which in turn can increase the likelihood of recovery.”

According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found sooner; are less likely to need aggressive treatments like surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy) and chemotherapy; and are more likely to be cured.

To schedule a mammogram online, visit https://www.healthiertucson.com/breast-care-womens. To find a primary care physician or OB/GYN, visit https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/doctors-providers.

Back