My First Mammogram What, When,and Why
Every mammogram is important but the first mammogram, also called a baseline mammogram, is notable because it shows the appearance of breast tissue that is normal for your breasts. From the baseline mammogram your radiologist can watch for any changes on the yearly exams that follow.
Similar to a fingerprint, every mammogram picture is unique to the person from which it is made. Every person has a different make up and pattern of breast tissue with varying amounts of both fibroglandular and fatty breast tissues. This first mammogram will determine the amount of each of the types of breast tissue in your breast, otherwise known as your breast density. Research has shown that women with dense breasts have a higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, so the information from your first mammogram will help the radiologist determine your overall breast cancer risk.
The first thing to know about a baseline mammogram is when you should plan to have one. GRACE Breast Imaging, along with the American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging, American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommends women with an average risk (insert link to risk article and calculator) for breast cancer have a baseline screening mammogram at age 40, with screening mammograms obtained on a yearly basis afterwards. Up to 85% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease so it is important to get your screening mammograms even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer.
Your baseline mammogram may need to happen as early as age 30 if you have certain factors that increase the risk of breast cancer including family history of breast cancer or breast cancer associated gene mutations. Speak with your health care provider to assess your breast cancer risk and determine the best screening plan for you. During your mammography appointment the GRACE team may ask questions about your personal and family health history to help determine your risk and personalize their recommendations. There are many risk factors that can increase your chances of having breast cancer. It is possible to be at higher risk for breast cancer without having any family history, so it is very important to know all of your risks and evaluate them together. At GRACE, we perform breast cancer risk assessments on every patient to ensure personalized recommendations. The American College of Radiology recommends that all women know their lifetime risk of breast cancer by age 25. Doing so allows high risk patients to start screening with mammograms at age 30 and to start supplemental breast MRIs between ages 25-30.
A referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, so you can schedule your screening exam directly with GRACE at your convenience (link). A screening mammogram is a quick exam taking less than 15 minutes with results coming within a few days. If you have any concerning changes to your breast like a new lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge, you may need to have a diagnostic mammogram instead of a screening exam. A diagnostic mammogram is a more specialized mammogram targeting the area concern and it is often paired with a breast ultrasound. A diagnostic evaluation of an area of concern can take up to an hour and you will be given results directly at the end of your appointment. Regardless of the type of mammogram you are having, our early detection screening platform combines 3D mammography, AI analysis, and comfort technology for a more accurate and comfortable mammogram.
We aim to be your trusted partner for breast health. Having the same experienced expertly trained breast specialist provider year after year means that we can identify any changes in your breast tissue at their earliest and most treatable stages.