Know your breast cancer screening guidelines

Breast cancer screening uses imaging tests to find cancer in people before symptoms appear. Early detection means that a tumor is found when it is more treatable, and a woman is more likely to have a better outcome. Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs explain that breast cancer screening needs vary by woman, based on breast cancer risk. But our doctors encourage all women to know the breast cancer screening guidelines for when to begin screening, how often to get tested, and which tests to have done.

Available screening options

Mammograms are considered the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer in its early stages. These low-dose breast X-rays can identify cancers well before a woman has symptoms.

The most common and “first line of defense” is a two-dimensional (2D) mammogram. Three-dimensional (3D) mammography is also available at some screening locations. Three-dimensional images provide more detailed breast images and are often used for follow-up screening if a concern is found on a 2D screening, as well as for women with dense breast tissue.

MRI is also a valuable tool for breast imaging, most often used for screening women with high risk for breast cancer and women with dense breast tissue. An MRI is used in conjunction with a mammogram, not as a replacement for it.

Determining a woman’s breast cancer risk

Decisions about which breast cancer screening guidelines to follow are made based on a woman’s personal risk level for developing breast cancer, considering such factors as personal medical history, family medical history, breast tissue density, age and life expectancy.

What factors increase breast cancer risk?

• An immediate family member with breast cancer

• A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation

• A parent, sibling or child with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation

• Radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30

• Li-Fraumeni, Cowden or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndromes

• A parent, sibling or child with one of these syndromes

Once a woman’s breast cancer risk level is determined, it is important that she consult with her OBGYN regarding the proper screening guidelines for her.

Guidelines for women with average risk of breast cancer

Breast cancer screening guidelines are primarily based on age.

• Women ages 40 to 44 should get a screening mammogram every one to two years. A decision on whether to have a mammogram annually or every other year is based on the woman’s health history and in consultation with her OBGYN.

• Women ages 45 to 54 should have annual mammograms.

• Women ages 55 and older should undergo a mammogram every one to two years, consulting with their doctor to determine the optimal age to stop.

Guidelines for women at high risk

There are important exceptions to the age-based breast cancer screening guidelines. Women with a high risk level should begin annual mammograms and MRIs at age 30. Yearly screening should continue as long as they are in good health, until the age of 65 or they decide, in consultation with their physician, to discontinue screening.

Hill Country OB/Gyn offers in-house mammography at the Brodie Lane location. Contact Hill Country OB/GYN to consult with a doctor regarding your breast cancer risk and which screening guidelines to follow.