A mammogram is a crucial examination of the breasts and surrounding area that women get once they reach a certain age. This type of examination is one that plays a big role in catching warning signs of cancer early on, thus helping to address any cancerous cells as quickly as possible.
One of the most common questions about mammograms is when to start getting them. There are varying answers; however, generally speaking, there are a few guidelines that women should abide by when it comes to maintaining good health. Continue reading to find out what urgent care centers and primary care physicians recommend.
Below is an overview of when women should start having mammograms done. This information is crucial to review, especially for those who have other risk factors that may apply.
For women who are in good health and do not have pre-existing conditions that relate to breast cancer, it is recommended to start getting a mammogram every three years between the ages of 25 and 39. It is important to understand that this is recommended only for women who do not have any associated risk factors.
Women that are 40 and above should receive a mammogram once a year, regardless of any risk factors or not. This is recommended because as a woman ages, the risk becomes much higher of developing complications or cancerous cells.
Women who have pre-existing conditions that relate to the breast should undergo mammograms yearly starting at the age of 30. If there are any warning signs at a young age, mammograms should also be done yearly. Even if warning signs are caught early enough and addressed appropriately, it is still recommended to undergo annual mammograms.
There are some misconceptions that say mammograms can stop at a certain age, but this is actually not true. It is recommended to have mammograms well into your 50s, 60s, 70s, and on, just to be safe. Cancerous cells can form in the breasts at any time in one's life, and the risk only becomes higher the older one gets.
It is also good to know that a mammogram is simple and not a long appointment. Women can even have it done at a local urgent care center. Two small metal plates will be placed on either side of each breast while x-ray images are taken. The entirety of the appointment does not take more than 10 minutes.
Women who have questions or concerns about getting a mammogram can turn to a local urgent care center or their primary care physician. Consultations can be done to determine when a mammogram should be done and if there are any warning signs that need to be addressed. To learn more about getting a mammogram and when the appropriate time is to get one, reach out today. Our team would be happy to help!
Request an appointment here: https://herndon.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Herndon at (703) 743-7849 for an appointment in our Herndon office.
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