When to Get a Mammogram?

Every October 19, World Breast Cancer Day is commemorated, the leading cause of death among women. Therefore, this is a date to raise breast awareness in society and to make this disease visible. In fact, according to data from the American Society of Medical Oncology, one in eight women in the United States is at risk for breast cancer.

In this sense, one of the key aspects of cure, good health, and survival is early detection through regular examinations (breast cancer screening) in women with higher risk factors. However, not all women have access to breast cancer prevention and diagnosis tools, and the American Cancer Society, demands a necessary transformation to achieve equity when it comes to preventing, experiencing, and treating breast cancer.

Who should have this screening mammogram test?

A mammogram is the most effective technique for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. As detailed by the specialists, it is an easy-to-carry tool capable of detecting tumors before symptoms appear and consists of a special X-ray (screening mammography) of the breasts with an X-ray device.

But who should get this screening test? At what age is breast imaging recommended? The American Cancer Society advises women of average risk age, that is, between 50 and 65 years of age, to carry out screening mammograms periodically every 1 or 2 years. "All women should go under a routine breast cancer screening even if they have no symptoms," they warn.

Likewise, in some communities, there are also screening campaigns for the detection of breast cancer in women between 45 and 49 years old and 66 to 69 years old. In the case of women under 40 years of age, a mammogram is recommended if they are at high risk of developing a tumor due to family history or genetic alterations. In any case, any woman who has compatible symptoms should undergo this diagnostic test, regardless of her age.