New Mammogram Guidelines and What You Need to Know

Recently released guidelines on mammograms are designed to improve healthcare for women and improved outcomes for women who may be at risk for breast cancer. Here's how these guidelines might benefit you and what you need to know before a mammogram. 

New mammogram guidelines

Earlier this year, the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated their guidelines for mammograms, marking a significant shift in how we approach breast cancer screening. The updated recommendations include:

1. Starting Age for Screening: The age at which routine mammogram screening begins has long been a topic of debate. The new guidelines suggest that women with an average risk of breast cancer should begin screening at age 40. Previous recommendations suggested all women over the age of 50 begin screening, and that women over 40 should make decisions with their providers about when to start screening. This change is based on research suggesting that early screening can improve early detection and outcomes.
2. Frequency of Screening: The recommendations also vary in terms of frequency of screening. The guidelines support biennial (every two years) breast cancer screenings for patients with low personal risk, no family history, and for whom radiation exposure must be minimized. For patients with some risk factors, or who feel more comfortable with more frequent screening, breast cancer screenings are recommended every year. For women at high risk due to family history or genetic factors, even more frequent screenings might still be recommended.
3. Personalized Approach: The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized screening plans. Women should discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate schedule for mammograms. Individualized approaches take into account family history, genetic predisposition, and other factors. 

In addition to these updated guidelines, the task force has identified that more research is needed for women with dense breasts as well as women of color, as Black women in particular are more likely to die of breast cancer.

What to know before your first mammogram

If you have never had a mammogram, understanding what they do and what to expect is important information that can alleviate fears about the exam, the process, and even the possible results. Mammograms use X-rays to image the breast. The images are utilized to detect breast cancer, often before symptoms or masses you can feel develop. They play a crucial role in early detection, which can improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. The process involves compressing the breast between two plates to capture images from different angles. Despite some discomfort, the procedure is quick and generally lasts just a few minutes.

Preparing for a mammogram 

No special preparation is needed. However, you should avoid using deodorant, lotion, or powder on your breasts or underarms on the day of your appointment. These substances can interfere with imaging. Mammography centers will provide wipes to remove deodorant or powder if you forget.

During the exam 

You will be asked to stand in front the mammogram machine and place one breast at a time on the plate. A mammography technician will assist you in positioning your breast to maximize the quality of the image and your comfort. The machine will compress your breast for image clarity. While this compression can be uncomfortable, it is brief and necessary for accurate imaging.

After your mammogram

You can resume normal activities immediately. The images will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will provide a report to your healthcare provider. You will be contacted if any follow-up is needed. Follow-up is sometimes necessary when you are new to mammography, when image clarity is suboptimal, or when an area is incompletely visualized. This does not always mean something bad was seen but may simply mean that more mammogram and/or ultrasound images are needed.

Mammogram guidelines underscore the importance of early detection while balancing the need to minimize unnecessary interventions. Staying informed and discussing your individual risk factors with your healthcare provider will help ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

If you have any questions about breast cancer screening guidelines or your mammogram schedule, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Staying proactive about your breast health is one of the best ways to ensure early detection and effective treatment.