In the hectic day-to-day rhythm of life, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner. But some appointments are too important to postpone, especially for breast cancer screening. An annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health now and in the years ahead.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment options may be less invasive and outcomes are often better. Taking a little time for this important screening could make a meaningful difference in your future. Make yourself and your health a priority. Schedule your mammogram today.

Mammograms can detect cancer at its earliest stage

The goal of a mammogram is to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Mammograms can reveal tiny calcifications, masses and subtle changes in breast tissue that may be associated with cancer, sometimes before a lump can be felt.

Finding breast cancer early can mean less invasive treatment and better outcomes. Depending on the cancer, treatment may involve removing the lump with a lumpectomy rather than removing the entire breast with a mastectomy, and some patients may be able to avoid chemotherapy. Early detection gives you and your care team more options, making that annual mammogram an appointment worth keeping.

Why mammograms remain the most trusted screening tool

Mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer screening, with an 87% detection rate. While every diagnostic test can produce false positives, mammograms have a lower rate than some other imaging tests, including MRI, which is highly sensitive but can also produce more false-positive results.

Mammograms are ideally suited for routine breast cancer screening, while MRI is typically used in specific situations when additional imaging is needed. With your doctor’s guidance, these tools can help ensure the right screening at the right time.

Ultrasounds can provide another important look

Sometimes a mammogram shows an area that needs a closer look. Your care team may recommend an ultrasound to gather additional information and help determine what the area is.

An ultrasound can help doctors evaluate a mass and determine whether it is solid or filled with fluid, such as a cyst. It can also provide more information about the shape, borders and other characteristics of an area that appeared on a mammogram.

Being called back for additional imaging can feel scary, but try not to let fear keep you from going. The finding may turn out to be harmless, or it may need attention. Either way, having the information helps you and your care team decide what comes next.

Know when to start mammograms

For women of average risk, mammograms should begin at age 40. The American Cancer Society recommends starting at age 40 and continuing annual screening. At Endeavor Health, we follow these guidelines to provide the highest level of care and give women the best opportunity to detect breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

Starting on time also builds a valuable history your radiologist can use for comparison as your breasts change over the years. Each annual mammogram gives your care team another chance to spot subtle changes early, so don’t delay that first screening or assume you can simply start next year.

Breast cancer rates continue to increase

Breast cancer diagnoses are rising, including among younger women. Rates increased by about 1.5% each year among women younger than 50 and by about 1% among women 50 and older. This makes it even more important to understand your risk and keep up with annual screenings.

How often you get screened can make a meaningful difference in detecting breast cancer before it progresses to a later stage. Among women screened annually, about 24% of breast cancers were diagnosed at stages 2, 3 or 4, compared with 44% among those screened every other year. Women who waited two years between mammograms were nearly twice as likely to receive a later-stage diagnosis, underscoring the importance of annual screening.

Your screening needs are personal

Dense breast tissue and cancer can both appear white on a mammogram, making some cancers harder to see. Depending on your breast density and individual risk, your doctor may recommend additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or breast MRI, to get a clearer picture.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormone therapy, family history and other individual circumstances can also affect your screening needs. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk and the screenings that are right for you rather than simply skipping an appointment.

Your care team can help determine the safest and most appropriate timing based on your individual situation. The key is to keep the conversation going and make breast health part of your overall health plan.

Gold-standard breast health care at Endeavor Health

Endeavor Health provides gold-standard breast health care, including mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs to help detect cancer early, when treatment may be less invasive and outcomes are often better. Your health deserves a place on even the busiest schedule, and every screening is an investment in your health and your future. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk and screening needs, then schedule your mammogram.