{"id":1128,"date":"2021-05-17T14:06:28","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T14:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/?p=1128"},"modified":"2021-06-04T14:09:03","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T14:09:03","slug":"important-facts-about-mammogram-after-age-of-40","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/important-facts-about-mammogram-after-age-of-40\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Facts About Mammogram After Age of 40"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Breast cancer is the most probable form of cancer among women in the United States, besides skin cancer. Fortunately, if this type of cancer is caught early, the chances of it being successfully treated are drastically increased. That is why it\u2019s so important that women should have themselves screened for breast cancer regularly &#8211; mainly as they grow older.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer\/breast\/basic_info\/mammograms.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>Mammogram<\/b><\/a><b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This term refers to a low-dose X-ray screening of the breast. The aim is to pick up and evaluate any possible changes, including masses, calcification, or distortion. There are various types of mammograms. The latest technological breakthrough in this field is called 3-D mammography. It reduces false-positive findings and improves cancer detection by giving doctors a clearer picture of the breast tissue\u2019s overlapping structures. Read more about the different types of mammograms below.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Different Types of Mammograms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The three most common types of mammograms include:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Older Technology: Conventional Mammograms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also known as traditional mammograms, this technology generates images by examining breasts via a low-dose X-ray system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Major Breakthrough: Digital Mammograms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case of a digital mammogram, the conventional X-ray film is replaced by a digital chip that records images of the breast. Also referred to as full-field digital mammography, this process allows the physician to view images of the breast on a computer screen and then print them on a particular type of film.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Digital mammograms have several benefits over their traditional counterparts. These include the fact that the patient is more comfortable, reduced exposures, and quicker image acquisition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Breast health screenings that use this new technology have been confirmed to offer better cancer detection abilities than traditional mammograms in 3 groups of females: women with unusually dense breasts, those under the age of 50, and those in perimenopause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1130 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram.jpg\" alt=\"Woman Having a Mammogram Exam at the Doctor's Office\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/What-Is-a-Mammogram.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Latest Technology: 3-D Mammograms<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The latest technological advance in this field is 3-D mammography. This groundbreaking process enables doctors to detect better tissues or masses that could be cancerous. In conventional mammogram tests, the details of the breast are shown as a single, flat image. With 3D technology, the breast can be viewed as a series of different layers. This makes it possible for the radiologist to interpret the images more accurately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The introduction of 3D mammography has also been shown to increase early breast cancer detection accuracy and meaningfully reduce the chances of a false-positive diagnosis. In addition, it indeed decides whether to go for <\/span><a href=\"\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/gynecologist-jacksonville-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">annual mammograms after age 40<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which is much easier to make!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When Should Women Start with Regular Mammogram Screenings?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At what age should women start searching Google for mammograms near me? In recent years there has been much debate about how often to get mammograms after 40 and when women should start with regular yearly mammogram screening. Let\u2019s examine the current state of the discourse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The American Cancer Society\u2019s official position is that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When it comes to how often to get mammograms after 40, the ACS says that women should be allowed to choose whether they want to have annual mammograms after age 40 until they are 44.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From 45 to 54, women should have yearly mammograms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From 55, a woman can decide to continue with the yearly mammograms or switch to every two years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women should not stop screening as long as they are in good health and have a life expectancy of 10 years or more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every woman should know the limitations, pros, and potential cons of mammogram screening.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The American Society of Breast Surgeons has issued the following guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All females age 25 or older should undergo a formal breast cancer risk assessment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ASBS\u2019s view on how often to get mammograms after 40 is that females who have an average risk of breast cancer should start with annual mammograms after age 40.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Females with an above-average risk of developing breast cancer should begin with regular yearly mammogram screenings even before they turn 40 and should continue with that every year.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued the following guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This organization has a different view on how often to get mammograms after 40. It states that, between the ages of 50 and 74, women should undergo yearly mammogram screenings every second year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The decision to start with mammography screenings before the age of 50 should be left to the individual. Women who are aware of the potential risks and nevertheless believe that the potential benefits outweigh these should have the right to start with annual mammograms after age 40<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apart from the above recommendations, your physician may recommend that you undergo a mammogram screening for the following reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To get a diagnosis of any possible breast irregularities that might be found either by yourself or the doctor during a routine breast examination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To track the progress of irregularities or lumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a follow-up to an abnormal mammogram that was done earlier<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are at high risk for developing breast cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Can I Reduce My Chances Of Getting Breast Cancer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can reduce your chances of getting breast cancer by exercising regularly, not allowing yourself to become overweight, following a diet without high amounts of animal fat, and keeping your stress levels under control. Being proactive in early breast cancer detection and being aware of any family history for breast cancer are two other important factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1131 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer.jpg\" alt=\"Group of Women Walking in Nature after Yoga\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/06\/How-Can-I-Reduce-My-Chances-Of-Getting-Breast-Cancer.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Can Mammograms Be Harmful?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This question has caused heated debates on social media in recent years. But, unfortunately, many arguments against regular mammogram screenings are not rooted but instead based on half-truths and fear mongering. So before you decide never to start searching for mammograms near me, let\u2019s examine the facts:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is no scientific proof that mammograms can give you cancer. Although a mammogram uses radiation, it\u2019s a minimal amount. Most of us are exposed to much higher background radiation levels if we live in a large town or city. As long as the facility you are using has been approved by regulating agencies, minimal radiation risk is involved. So if the possible threat of radiation prevents you from doing a Google search for mammograms near me, relax. That is not a significant risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mammograms can, however, cause-specific issues. Issues that are, in our opinion, far outweighed by their benefits. During the test, for example, you are likely to suffer mild discomfort. The second risk is that of a false positive that, combined with the subsequent biopsy, can cause unnecessary stress. Finally, there is also the risk of \u2018overtreatment,\u2019 i.e., a mammogram detects a type of cancer that will not affect your lifespan and, hence, merely results in you undergoing unnecessary treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In our opinion, measured against what can happen if breast cancer is not picked up before it\u2019s too late, none of the above is significant enough to deter you from searching Google for \u2018mammograms near me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hopefully, we\u2019ve addressed most of your questions about mammograms above. However, if we missed something, please don\u2019t hesitate to ask a question below. And if you would like to find out more about what we do, you are welcome to visit our website. This is also where you will find out contact details if you want to make an appointment with one of our highly trained and experienced specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breast cancer is the most probable form of cancer among women in the United States, besides skin cancer. Fortunately, if<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[82],"tags":[85,83,86,84],"class_list":["post-1128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mammogra","tag-annual-mammograms-after-age-40","tag-how-often-to-get-mammograms-after-40","tag-mammograms-near-me","tag-types-of-mammograms"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}