Breast Cancer Screening: Why Mammograms and Early Detection Matter
Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive health care because breast cancer can sometimes be found before you notice a lump or other change.
A mammogram can detect changes in breast tissue that may be too small to see or feel. Finding breast cancer earlier can provide more treatment options and may make a significant difference in treatment and outcomes.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Deanna Padilla, FNP-C, Associate Medical Director at Omni Family Health, joined Healthy Families to discuss the importance of mammogram screening, family history, breast cancer risk factors, and why women should talk with their health care providers about a screening schedule that is appropriate for them.
Why Is Early Detection of Breast Cancer Important?
One of the goals of breast cancer screening is to find cancer before symptoms develop.
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue. These images can reveal changes that may not yet be noticeable through how your breasts look or feel.
That is why feeling healthy or not noticing a lump does not necessarily mean breast cancer screening can be skipped.
Early detection can make a significant difference. When breast cancer is found at an earlier stage, there may be more treatment options available. The experience shared during the Healthy Families conversation also illustrates why routine screening can be so important. A mammogram may identify a concern before someone realizes there is a problem.
Routine screening gives you and your health care provider another way to monitor your breast health before a noticeable change develops.
When Should Women Start Getting Mammograms?
There is not one screening schedule that is appropriate for every person.
In the Healthy Families conversation, Padilla recommends that women begin discussing mammograms with their health care provider by age 40. Women with certain breast cancer risk factors may need to have that conversation earlier.
Your provider can help you understand when to begin mammogram screening and how frequently you should be screened based on factors such as your age, health history, family history, and individual risk.
If you are approaching 40 or are unsure whether you are due for a mammogram, find an Omni Family Health provider and make breast cancer screening part of your next preventive health conversation.
Why Does Your Family History of Breast Cancer Matter?
Knowing your family’s health history can help you and your provider better understand your potential breast cancer risk.
A history of breast cancer in close family members, particularly a mother, sister, or daughter, is important information to share with your provider. Deanna explains that women with a family history may need to begin discussing screening before age 40. Omni_October_Breast Cancer_Dean…
The challenge is that families do not always talk about cancer.
You may know that a parent or grandparent had health problems without knowing exactly what those problems were. Older generations may also have been less comfortable discussing breast health and cancer.
Starting those conversations can give you valuable information.
Ask parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives what they know about cancer in your family. If you learn that someone has had breast cancer or another cancer, share that information with your health care provider.
Can You Develop Breast Cancer Without a Family History?
Yes.
Family history is an important breast cancer risk factor, but not having a family history does not mean you cannot develop the disease.
As Padilla explains in the Healthy Families interview, women can be diagnosed with breast cancer even when they do not have a known family history. That is one reason appropriate screening remains important regardless of whether breast cancer runs in your family. Omni_October_Breast Cancer_Dean…
Rather than using family history as the only reason to consider screening, talk with your provider about your overall risk and the breast cancer screening recommendations appropriate for you.
What Can Women Do to Support Their Breast Health?
Mammogram screening and routine preventive care are important parts of breast health, but everyday health habits matter too.
During the interview, Padilla emphasizes staying physically active, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and keeping up with routine primary care. Omni_October_Breast Cancer_Dean…
Your annual preventive visit is also an opportunity to discuss more than one aspect of your health. Your provider can review whether you are due for a mammogram and discuss other preventive services based on your age, medical history, and individual needs.
You can learn more about medical and preventive services at Omni Family Health or find an Omni Family Health location near you if you are due for a routine health visit.
What If You Are Nervous About Getting a Mammogram?
It is understandable to feel anxious about a medical test, especially if you have never had one or had an uncomfortable experience in the past.
Some women may be tempted to delay a recommended mammogram because they remember the procedure being uncomfortable. In the Healthy Families interview, Padilla acknowledges that concern while emphasizing how brief the screening itself can be and how valuable the information it provides may be. Omni_October_Breast Cancer_Dean…
If you are nervous about mammogram screening, talk about those concerns with your health care provider. You can also let the mammography technologist know if you are anxious or uncomfortable during the exam.
Knowing what to expect can help make the process feel more manageable.
Most importantly, anxiety about the procedure does not have to become a reason to indefinitely postpone recommended breast cancer screening.
What Breast Changes Should You Tell Your Provider About?
Mammograms are designed to help identify potential breast cancer before symptoms develop, but you should also pay attention to changes in your breasts between screenings.
If you notice something new or unusual, contact your health care provider rather than waiting until your next routine appointment.
A breast change does not automatically mean you have cancer. Your provider can evaluate what you are experiencing and determine whether additional testing is appropriate.
Regular preventive visits also give you an opportunity to ask questions about breast health, your family history, breast cancer risk factors, and when to get a mammogram.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Yes.
Although breast cancer is much more commonly associated with women, men can develop breast cancer too. This is an important point Padilla and the host address during their conversation. Omni_October_Breast Cancer_Dean…
Men who notice an unusual breast or chest change should talk with a health care provider rather than assuming breast cancer only affects women.
Do Not Put Off the Breast Cancer Screening Conversation
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a useful reminder to think about breast health, but breast cancer screening matters throughout the year.
If you are around age 40 and have not talked with your provider about mammograms, now is a good time to start the conversation.
If you are younger but have a family history or other factors that may increase your breast cancer risk, ask your provider whether you should discuss screening earlier.
And if you have been putting off a recommended mammogram because you are nervous about the procedure, bring those concerns to your provider rather than simply postponing the screening.
Your breast cancer screening plan should reflect your age, health history, family history, and individual risk.
You can find an Omni Family Health provider or find a health center near you to schedule a preventive health visit. You can also call or text 866-707-OMNI (6664) for help scheduling an appointment.
For more information directly from Deanna Padilla, FNP-C, [watch the full Healthy Families conversation about mammograms and breast cancer screening.](LINK TO HEALTHY FAMILIES VIDEO PAGE)
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Screening
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for changes that may be signs of breast cancer. Mammogram screening can help identify potential concerns before a person notices a lump or other breast change.
Padilla recommends beginning the breast cancer screening conversation with your provider by age 40. Your individual health history and breast cancer risk factors may affect when your provider recommends that you begin screening.
Your screening schedule can depend on your age, health history, individual risk factors, and the screening recommendations you and your provider follow. Ask your health care provider how often mammogram screening is appropriate for you.
A family history of breast cancer is an important risk factor, but breast cancer can also occur in people without a known family history. Talk with your provider about the screening schedule appropriate for your individual risk.
Some people with a higher risk may need to begin the breast cancer screening conversation earlier. Tell your provider if a close relative has had breast cancer so your family history can be considered when developing your screening plan.
Feeling anxious about a mammogram is understandable. Talk with your provider about what to expect and share your concerns with the mammography technologist. Do not let anxiety prevent you from discussing recommended screening with your health care team.
Yes. Men can develop breast cancer, although it is less common. Men should discuss unusual breast or chest changes with a health care provider.
Start by talking with an Omni Family Health primary care provider about breast cancer screening. Your care team can help determine when you are due and assist you with the next steps. Find an Omni Family Health provider or call or text 866-707-OMNI (6664).
External Resources
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Breast Cancer Screening
American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection