Why you should have a mammogram: 10 reasons it’s essential for women

You can detect breast cancer early

Many people believe that only those with a family history of cancer will suffer from this disease, which is false. As staggering 75% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. However, genetics is a determining factor in the appearance of some types of cancer such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which is very common in some communities.

If you have dense breast tissue

Having dense breasts is also a reason why you should have a mammogram regularly. This condition occurs when the breasts contain a large amount of glandular or fibrous tissue and little fat. Dense breasts significantly increase the risk of cancer, so it is especially advisable to schedule an annual mammogram if this applies to you.

Get a mammogram if you are over 40

Age, genetics, and even lifestyle can contribute to your risk for breast cancer. However, age is a key factor in determining whether you need a mammogram. Thus, women over 40, who are at higher risk should begin getting annual mammograms and those over 45 at any risk level should schedule an annual screening.

Mammograms can detect more than cancer

If you thought mammograms were only important for detecting the presence of cancer, you should know that the these tests can be lifesaving in other ways. This is because mammograms, in some cases, lead to the identification of abnormalities related to other diseases such as cardiovascular disease or heart failure.

You started menstruation at an early age

If you started your period before the age of 12, or had the first signs of menopause after 55, your chances of developing cancer will be higher. This is because both events expose women to higher levels of estrogen for a longer period of time. Other risk factors are never having been pregnant or giving birth after the age of 30.

Early detection reduces the risk of a mastectomy

Early detection not only saves lives, but also significantly reduces the risk of undergoing a complicated surgery known as a mastectomy, in which one or both breasts are removed. In the case of people who have undergone a lumpectomy, mammograms should be performed at least 6 months after the end of the indicated treatment.

Mammograms are even more effective now

Scientific and technological advances have made mammograms increasingly effective in detecting or ruling out the presence of cancer or other breast diseases. One of these advances is the generation of 3D mammograms, which have an 80% greater efficiency range than regular mammograms, in addition to helping to obtain more detailed information on the area.

They are free or low cost

One good thing about mammograms is that, in addition to being quick to perform (an exam takes about 20 minutes), as a routine exam, they are covered by health insurance. Health insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid covers the full cost of mammograms after age 50, although if your doctor recommends it, an exception could be made so that coverage begins as soon as it is indicated.

Set an example for the younger generation

The recommended age to begin annual mammogram screening is 40 years, but this does not mean that younger women are exempt from getting cancer, so it is important to create the habit of self-care from an early age. According to the National Cancer Institute, if you are 30 years old, your risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 204, but if symptoms go undetected, then little can be done to stop the disease from progressing.

A mammogram is a quick process

It is true, a mammogram can sometimes be a little painful since it involves applying pressure to your breasts. However, it goes by fast, since the entire exam lasts approximately between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on where you have it performed.

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