Who needs a screening mammogram and why?
A screening mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast in a woman who has no breast complaints. The goal is to find the cancer in an earlier, more treatable stage. A screening mammogram takes two X-ray pictures of each breast. Mammography is the best tool available at this time for detecting breast cancer in its earlier, more treatable stages. While mammograms have limitations and may miss some cancers, it remains a valuable tool in the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that most women begin receiving annual screening mammograms at age 40. In addition to screening mammograms, women should perform a breast self examination monthly beginning in their 20s. Women in their 20s and 30s should receive a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years. After age 40, women should have an annual clinical breast exam. Tips for Having a Good Quality Mammogram Find out if the mammogram facility is FDA-certified and accredited by the Americ
