Breast cancer screenings, Breast cancer screening guidelines 2023, Breast cancer awareness, Mammogram schedule, Early breast cancer detection, Breast cancer risk assessment, Breast cancer prevention tips, Women’s health screenings, Breast cancer risk factors, Breast health clinic Georgia, Updated breast cancer screening guidelines 2023, When to start breast cancer screenings, Breast cancer screenings for women over 40, How to lower breast cancer risk, Breast cancer screenings for women at average risk, Comprehensive breast health care in Alpharetta, Breast cancer risk assessment Georgia, Preventive mammograms Georgia clinic, Dr. Reddy breast cancer screenings Cumming, Breast cancer screening recommendations for women in their 40s, Mammogram vs breast ultrasound, What are breast cancer risk factors?, Breast cancer prevention exercise, Healthy weight and breast cancer risk, Breast health and hormonal therapy, Black women and breast cancer risk, Breast biopsy history and cancer risk, Breast density and cancer risk, Genetic testing for breast cancer risk, Breast cancer awareness month resources, Breast cancer screening Cumming, GA, Women’s health services Alpharetta, Breast cancer screenings Georgia clinic, Gynecology services in Alpharetta, GA, Breast health doctor Cumming, Georgia, Schedule a breast cancer screening, Book a mammogram consultation, Schedule a breast health assessment, Book online for breast cancer screening, Breast cancer risk consultation in Georgia.
Learn how recent changes in breast cancer screening guidelines may affect your timeline for scheduling your next mammogram.
Last month was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but at Alpha OBGYN, we believe that being proactive about your breast health is important all year round. Our clinic provides comprehensive gynecology and women’s health services, including manual breast exams and referrals for mammograms and other breast cancer screenings.
Sowmya Reddy, MD, FACOG, provides educational resources to help you understand recent changes in the cancer screening guidelines. She also offers strategies you can use to lower your breast cancer risk.
Breast cancer screening guideline updates
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) drafted new recommendations for breast cancer screenings in May 2023. These guidelines help physicians determine the best screening schedule for individuals. They also affect insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings.
The biggest change in the 2023 guidelines involves the recommended age for women to start getting screened. Earlier guidance suggested that women start at age 50, but the new guidelines have lowered age recommendations to 40.
Women between the ages of 40 and 74 at average risk for breast cancer may also need to schedule preventive mammograms every other year. However, guidelines recommend that women in their 40s and their physicians make informed decisions about the frequency of screenings.
The reasons for change
The latest USPSTF breast cancer screening guidelines come on the heels of major trends showing up in research. A key factor in the changes includes the increased occurrence of breast cancer in women in their 40s.
Some studies show Black women in their 40s are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer than white women.
Earlier screenings help save more lives by identifying early signs of cancer before it progresses. Early-stage breast cancer is almost always curable and can be treated with less intensive treatments.
When to start talking about breast cancer screenings
The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends that all women undergo a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25. During this assessment, Dr. Reddy considers several aspects of your health and medical history to determine whether your risk for breast cancer is higher than average.
Factors that influence breast cancer risk include your:
- Family history
- Breast density
- Gynecological health
- History of breast biopsies
- History of other types of cancer
Based on your assessment results, Dr. Reddy may recommend earlier screenings. She can also discuss the need for genetic testing to further evaluate your breast cancer risk factors and provide resources that protect your long-term breast health.
Proactive changes you can start making now include maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in daily exercise. You should also use alcohol in moderation, and if you smoke, consider a smoking cessation program to help you quit for good.
If you use hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, speak with Dr. Reddy about their influence on your breast cancer risk. She can help you make the most informed decisions about your overall health.
Call Alpha OBGYN in Cumming or Alpharetta, Georgia, to schedule a consultation to discuss breast cancer screenings or book an appointment online today.
