Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States; one in eight women will develop the disease at some point in their lives. While the overall number of cases has increased slightly in recent years, the incidence is rising more quickly for women under 50, particularly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women.
The good news? Breast cancer is highly treatable if caught early—and routine screenings play a vital role. Mammograms, in particular, are key to early detection. To answer common questions and help ease concerns about breast screening, Roshni Rao, MD, Chief of the Breast Surgery Program at Columbia, sat down with CBS News. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:
When Should You Start Mammograms?
The current recommendation is for women of average risk to begin annual mammograms at age 40. “Starting at 40 ensures that we catch cancers early, when they’re most treatable,” says Dr. Rao. Women at higher risk—due to factors such as family history, early menstruation, or having children later in life—may need to start even earlier. A risk assessment, which can be done online or with your doctor’s help, can help determine the best screening timeline for you.
Understanding Your Risk Level
To determine if you’re at higher risk, Dr. Rao recommends using tools like the National Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Risk Calculator. “If your lifetime risk is over 20 percent, you’re considered high risk,” she explains. Women in this category may need additional imaging, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, to complement mammograms. For high-risk individuals, most insurance plans cover earlier and more frequent screenings.
Why Are Mammograms Done Annually?
Unlike some other screenings, mammograms are recommended every year for women over 40. Annual screenings help detect changes in breast tissue more quickly, reducing the need for aggressive treatments. “Catching cancer early means less aggressive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation,” says Dr. Rao. “I’ve never met a woman who’s okay with more aggressive treatments when early detection could have made a difference.”
What About Dense Breasts?
Dense breast tissue is common and perfectly normal, but it can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram. If you have dense breasts, your doctor may recommend supplemental screenings. “Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, just like cancer does, making it more challenging to spot abnormalities,” explains Dr. Rao. “If you feel a mass or something seems off, don’t rely solely on a mammogram—ask about additional imaging.”
Making Mammograms More Manageable
Yes, mammograms can be uncomfortable, but the compression helps differentiate dense tissue from potential cancerous growths. Dr. Rao shares a practical tip: “Pair your mammogram with something fun, like a treat or outing, to make it more manageable. Personally, I like to go out for ice cream afterward!”
Breast cancer screenings save lives, and early detection is key to effective treatment. If you’re over 40 or have questions about your individual risk, don’t wait—schedule your mammogram today. To make an appointment with our Breast Care team, call (212) 305-9676 or fill out our appointment request form.
Related:
- Reflections 4 Years After Breast Cancer Surgery
- For Many Breast Cancers, There Is No Advantage to Mastectomy
- Surgical Preferences Benefit Patients: New Study From NYP/CUIMC Breast