A mammogram may not be at the top
of your to-do list when you turn 40, but
it should be! The American Cancer
Society estimates approximately
297,790 new cases of invasive breast
cancer will be diagnosed in U.S.
women in 2023. What’s more, 9% of
all new cases of breast cancer in the
United States are diagnosed in women
under the age of 45 and 85% of breast
cancers happen to those with no
family history of it.
Why Your First Mammogram at 40 is a Vital Health Priority
You may think you’re too young to get breast cancer, but
that’s not true. While breast cancer in younger women is
rare, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among
women ages 15-39.
“Mammograms continue to be the gold standard of
care for breast health,” said Dr. Arati Patel, board-certified
medical oncologist with CalvertHealth Hematology &
Oncology. “And the earlier we detect cancer, the easier it is
to treat. Simply put, early detection saves lives.”
With advances in technology, a 3D mammogram
can show changes in the breast more than a year before
detection through a self or clinical exam. Studies show
women whose breast cancers are diagnosed in the earliest
stages, at stage 0 or stage 1 – have a nearly 100% fiveyear
survival rate. It’s important to establish a baseline (or screening) mammogram early
on so that radiographers will
recognize when changes occur. “The
baseline mammogram will serve as
a comparison point for all future
mammograms,” said Patel.
Be Your Own Breast Friend
Don’t skip your annual
mammograms beyond 40.
Remember, mammography is
detection, not prevention. Having
a normal mammogram is excellent
but does not guarantee that future
mammograms won’t pick up early
signs of breast cancer. And if you
are older than 40 and haven’t yet
had a screening mammogram – go
online or call today to schedule an
appointment
In addition to getting a
screening mammogram at 40, it is
essential to complete a monthly selfexam
to check for lumps, as breast
cancers are often found during
routine self-exams. “The biggest
gift you can give yourself is to be
self-aware because the moment you
notice developing symptoms is the
moment you need to reach out to
a healthcare provider,” said Patel.
She went on to emphasize that you shouldn’t wait until your next
screening if you notice changes.
Reach out to your healthcare
provider immediately.
It’s time to schedule your
first annual screening
mammogram. Where Can
I Go to Get Screened?
Contact American Radiology
Services|Calvert Medical Imaging
Center or American Radiology
Services|Patuxent Imaging at
410.535.4111 to schedule your 3D
mammogram today! Remember,
a referral is not needed for a
screening mammogram. If you
are not insured or underinsured,
no- or low-cost screening options
are available. Contact the Calvert
County Health Department at
410.535.5400 x 334 for more
information.