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Mammograms

Breast cancer is one of the most serious health problems a woman can face. Over the course of her lifetime, a woman has one chance in nine of developing breast cancer. For now, the best defense is early detection. And mammograms -- low-level breast X-rays -- often can find breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages, when it's too small to be felt during an exam.

Unfortunately, recent debate over mammograms for women in their 40s has led to confusion and concern. Today, many -- but not all -- cancer experts believe women should begin scheduling routine mammograms at age 40. But experts do agree women age 50 or older should have yearly mammograms.

Too many women skip this important test. While women 65 or older account for about half of all new breast cancer cases, most of these women don't have routine mammograms, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System recommends the following breast cancer screening guidelines:

• Talk to your doctor about your risk for developing breast cancer. Go over your general health, family history and other possible risk factors for breast cancer. Due to personal or family history, some women with heightened risk may need to begin mammography at an earlier age or follow a different screening schedule.
• When you have a mammogram, be sure you get written results. Unfortunately, you can't assume your mammogram was OK if you don't hear from your doctor. With written results, you and your primary care doctor will have a record of your test.
• Don't rely on mammograms alone to protect your health. You also need to perform monthly breast self-exams and to have your breasts examined every year by your health care provider. In rare cases, breast cancer that did not appear on a mammogram may be detected through physical exam.

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