SARASOTA – The science is clear: Yearly mammograms should be a regular practice for all women starting at age 40, possibly younger for those at higher risk.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find conflicting guidance about when and how often women should be screened. One discouraging example is a government taskforce that recommends women ages 40 to 49 get screening mammograms only once every 2 years.
Most physicians who care for breast cancer patients, however, heartily disagree, warning that an extra year between mammograms can increase the chance of a cancer spreading and becoming more deadly.
Make An Appointment
To make a mammogram appointment at one of Sarasota Memorial’s convenient outpatient imaging locations, call 941-917-7322.
“It is critical to identify breast cancers as early as possible,” said Sarah Kimball, MD, a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon who joined Sarasota Memorial’s surgical oncology team earlier this year. “Breast cancers in premenopausal women, 40s and younger, will often manifest more aggressively, which can result in poorer outcomes. The best method available to identify breast cancers in their early stages are through regular screening mammograms. Early detection does save lives.”
The breast oncology team at Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, the American College of Radiology, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Society of Breast Imaging all recommend that all women have a screening mammogram annually starting at age 40, as well as an annual clinical breast exam.
Financial Assistance
If you or someone you know is uninsured or cannot afford a mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy or other breast health service, please call our Breast Health Grant Support Program for assistance at 941-917-7642.