October brings plenty of reminders about breast cancer awareness. But awareness often leads to more questions.
When should I start getting mammograms?
What does it mean if I have dense breasts?
Does my family history change when I should be screened?
And where can I go for screening close to home?
These are important questions, and the answers aren’t exactly the same for everyone. Here are some of the most common breast cancer screening questions and what you should know.
When Should I Start Getting Mammograms?
For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society says women ages 40 to 44 have the option to begin annual mammograms. Women ages 45 to 54 should receive a mammogram every year. At age 55, women may continue annually or switch to every other year.
But those are guidelines, not a substitute for a conversation with your healthcare provider. Your personal health history, family history, breast density, and other risk factors may affect what’s right for you.
The important part? Don’t wait until you notice something unusual to start thinking about breast health. Mammograms can find breast cancer before it is large enough to see or feel.
What Does It Mean to Have Dense Breasts?
This is one of the most common questions women have after receiving their mammogram results.
And dense breasts are very common.
Approximately half of women over age 40 in the United States have dense breast tissue.
Breast density describes how breast tissue looks on a mammogram. You can’t determine breast density by how your breasts look or feel.
Dense breast tissue matters for two reasons:
- It can make breast cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram.
- Having dense breasts is itself associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Since September 2024, mammography facilities nationwide have been required to tell women whether their breast tissue is dense or not dense in their mammography results.
If I Have Dense Breasts, Do I Need More Testing?
Not necessarily.
Finding out you have dense breasts does not mean something is wrong.
It does mean it’s worth having a conversation with your provider.
Depending on your overall risk, your provider may discuss whether additional breast imaging could be helpful. That decision shouldn’t be based on breast density alone. Your age, family history, personal health history, and other risk factors all matter.
Think of your mammogram report as the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.
My Mom Didn’t Have Breast Cancer. Do I Still Need to Worry?
Yes.
Family history matters, but it’s only one part of breast cancer risk.
According to the CDC, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women age 50 or older, and breast cancer can occur even when someone has no other known risk factors.
That’s why routine screening matters even when breast cancer doesn’t seem to “run in the family.”
What Family History Should I Tell My Provider About?
Don’t just think about your mother.
Breast and ovarian cancer history on both sides of your family can be important.
Tell your provider if you have:
- A mother, sister, or daughter who had breast cancer
- Several relatives who have had breast cancer
- A relative diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- A relative who had ovarian cancer
- A male relative who had breast cancer
- A relative with cancer in both breasts
- A known BRCA gene mutation in your family
Certain family histories may lead your provider to recommend genetic counseling, genetic testing, or a different screening plan.
Here’s something worth remembering:
Your dad’s side counts, too.
Should I Wait Until My Annual Physical to Ask About Breast Screening?
No.
If you’re due for a mammogram, have questions about your risk, notice a breast change, or learn something new about your family’s cancer history, contact your provider.
You don’t need to wait months for your next routine physical to start the conversation.
A visit at Hudson Physicians is also a good opportunity to review your screening schedule, family history, and other preventive health needs.
Where Can I Get a Mammogram in Hudson or the St. Croix Valley?
Taking care of your breast health shouldn’t require traveling far from home.
Hudson Physicians can help you review your individual breast cancer risk, family history, breast density results, and recommended screening schedule.
For mammography and breast imaging, Hudson Imaging, a partner of Hudson Physicians, provides convenient local access to breast screening in Hudson, WI.
Women throughout Hudson, WI, Stillwater, MN, and the greater St. Croix Valley can talk with their healthcare provider about where and when to complete recommended breast screening.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with your primary care or women’s health provider. They can help determine what’s appropriate for you and guide you to screening or additional care when needed.
What’s the Most Important Question to Ask?
Maybe it’s simply:
Am I up to date?
Breast cancer screening isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your age matters. Your family history matters. Your breast density matters. And your individual health history matters.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t just wear pink.
Ready to Get Started?
Take a few minutes to find out what’s recommended for you.
Talk with your Hudson Physicians provider about your breast cancer risk and screening schedule.
Call 715-531-6800 to schedule your appointment, or schedule an appointment online.
