All Women Recommended to Start Getting Regular Mammograms at Age 40

10/3/2024

Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer Gives Best Chance of Survival

The American College of Radiology now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms annually starting at age 40. The recommendation is in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women.

In Florida, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, which is the next most common cancer in women. Across the United States, 272,454 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2021, the most recent year data is available.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI.

“The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Stanley Santiago, M.D., MBA, FACOG, Keys Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. Christiaan Webb, M.D., added, “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.”

Early Detection Saves Lives

A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Lower Keys Medical Center is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Saturday, October 5 and October 12, from 9 am – 3:30 pm. Extended evening hours will be available on Tuesdays until 7 p.m. in October. Call (305)294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required.

Lower Keys Medical Center’s 2D and 3D mammography service at the Women’s Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

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