Mammograms for Women Over 40
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends most women obtain their first screening mammogram at age 45. According to the ACS, one out of eight women will have invasive breast cancers in their lifetime. While cancer is less frequent in women under 50 and in premenopausal women, younger women tend to get more aggressive breast cancers. One British study determined annual mammograms for women ages 40–50 cut the mastectomy risk in half due to early detection.
Did you know:
- All women are at risk for breast cancer.
- Young women can and do get breast cancer, even in their 20s.
- White women are more likely to get breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group. African-American women, however, are more likely to die from breast cancer.
- In the TRICARE North Region, women ages 40–50 make up over half of the eligible population for mammography, yet they have the lowest screening rate, only 60 percent. This is in comparison to a national average screening rate of 71 percent in 2010.
- The five-year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent. Your chances of survival are much better if the cancer is detected early.
There are many reasons why women, particularly those aged 40–50, do not obtain their mammograms, such as:
- Confusion about the guidelines: The ASC recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 45. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biannual mammograms beginning at age 50.
- Concern over exposure to radiation: In fact, the exposure is equivalent to seven weeks of natural environmental radiation or four chest X-rays.
- Fear of positive or false positive findings: Screening and early detection are your best defense when it comes to breast cancer.
- Discomfort about the mammogram: Mammograms take about 20 minutes and most women experience minimal discomfort. They are done in private with a single technician and the results are available to you and your doctor.
- Too busy taking care of family: When you make time to take care of yourself, you are better able to care for others.
If you are a female TRICARE beneficiary ages 40–50 and you have started obtaining your free annual mammogram, we congratulate you. If you have not started your free annual mammograms, we urge you to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and any questions or concerns you might have. Screening and early detection are your best defense when it comes to breast cancer.
See the site below for more information about mammography:
