When to Schedule Your Mammogram: A Complete Guide for Women

Mammograms are a preventive screening measure for women that’s essential in detecting breast cancer early on. Most women don’t need one until age 40, unless there’s a lump or other worrisome symptoms.

If you're uncertain about when to arrange your mammogram, our caring team at OB/GYN North Dallas can assist. Our nine board-certified OB/GYNs provide mammogram guidance and perform breast exams to detect cancer at its earliest stage.

Who needs a mammogram?

Most women don’t need a mammogram until age 40 if they’re at an average risk for breast cancer. But that number changes based on family history, worrisome symptoms, and other individual factors.

All women with breast tissue — including those with implants — should have regular mammograms after age 40. The recommended frequency depends on your breast cancer risk.

When to schedule your first mammogram

You should begin discussing breast health and mammograms with our team between the ages of 25 and 39 to ensure you get a mammogram when necessary for your health. We recommend yearly breast exams to ensure we don’t find any lumps or areas of concern.

As we just mentioned, women at average risk without symptoms generally start mammograms at 40; this may change if issues develop.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40-44 at least consider starting routine mammograms every other year. While optional at this stage, mammograms are vital for optimal breast health as a yearly screening tool for breast cancer, especially if you have risk factors. 

The ACS recommends yearly mammograms for women ages 45-54. At age 55, you can begin scheduling mammograms every other year, as long as you have no risk factors.

You should continue mammograms as long as you’re in good health and expect to live at least 10 more years.

Do I need a referral?

Most women don’t need a referral for a screening mammogram beginning at age 40. If you are under 40 or if you have symptoms such as a lump, unusual discharge, or breast pain, you may need a referral for a diagnostic mammogram. Insurance policies may also require a referral in some cases. 

Other guidelines to follow

The American Cancer Society recommends that high-risk women age 30 and older have a yearly mammogram and breast MRI.

The ACS recommendations for these younger high-risk women include those who have or have had:

• The BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation after genetic testing
• A breast cancer risk of 20-25% or higher based on screening tools
• Chest radiation before age 30
• A first-degree relative with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation

The ACS does recommend against MRI screenings for women with a lifetime risk that’s less than 15%. But you may also have a yearly MRI screening if you’ve previously had breast cancer or have dense breasts on a mammogram.

Our team follows the latest guidelines regarding mammograms and breast cancer screenings and makes recommendations based on your specific health and family history.

Call us at our office in Plano, Texas, today to schedule a visit to discuss mammograms, or use our convenient online booking tool. For your convenience, we offer mammograms right in our office.