Haven’t Had A Mammogram in 10+ Years?

Has your routine mammography screening schedule fallen so off track to the point where you do not remember when your last mammogram was? 

Don’t worry, whether it has been a few years or 10+ years since your last trip to the breast center, you are not alone and it is never too late to resume prioritizing your breast health once again!

The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that all women, beginning at age 40 (or younger, if considered high risk) undergo a yearly mammography screening to ensure the detection of breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage. Contrary to popular belief, there is no age that women should stop receiving annual mammograms, as breast cancer risk increases with age. 

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, since its inception in 1980, annual mammography screenings have been credited for reducing breast cancer-related deaths by 30% and have improved the overall cancer detection rate by 50%. 

There are numerous common reasons why women stop undergoing routine mammograms, which include but are not limited to: a hectic everyday schedule, anxiety concerning the exam, discrediting the need for a mammogram due to lack of family history, and fear of radiation exposure. 

Are you someone who struggles to find the proper reasoning and motivation to receive a yearly mammogram? 

Don’t worry, we do not judge. Let our team at Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace provide you with evidence-based encouragement to schedule your appointment today. 

A 3D mammogram is the single, proven tool in detecting breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage. The technology of a 3D mammogram is so advanced that it detects abnormalities in breast tissue before a lump can be felt and before appearance-related abnormalities can be seen. Mammography is the only screening method that can detect changes as minuscule as a grain of sand, (approximately 5 years before a lump can be felt). With early detection by means of mammography, the 5-year breast cancer survival and cure rate is 99%.

In contrast to what many women believe, family history is just 1 out of the numerous risk factors that are taken into consideration when determining whether or not a woman is considered high risk. Approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Therefore, it is just as crucial for a woman who does not have a family history of breast cancer to adhere to a strict annual mammography screening schedule as it is for a woman who does have a family history. 

Many women are concerned with the risks of radiation exposure from a mammogram. While it is true that a 3D mammogram does expose women to a very low dose of radiation, the exposure is so small that the benefits of receiving the exam far outweigh the risks of exposure to radiation. 

Many women discontinue undergoing annual mammograms to avoid the anxiety of an abnormal finding. These women While it is normal to fear the discovery of an abnormal finding on your mammogram, never allow the fear of uncertainty to be the reason to discourage you from having a mammogram. Further, if an abnormal finding is discovered, keep in mind that 8 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancerous. Early detection is the best prevention. Should any abnormalities be discovered, the earlier that they are detected, the more treatable they will be. Additionally, Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace offers patients same-day results from our on-site Board Certified radiologists. Should an abnormality be detected on a patient’s screening mammography, we will perform additional testing immediately following the mammogram to provide the most stress-free experience. 

Are you ready to get back on track with your mammography screening? Call our office to schedule your appointment today! 732-741-9595