Lee Health Diagnostic Radiologist Dr. Priyanka Handa said it’s critical that women receive yearly mammograms once they turn 40. “Age 40 to 50, it’s very important to get screening for mammogram. I feel strongly about this. It’s when women are in the workforce, this is when they are young mothers. It’s very important we tease out those aggressive cancers.”
She said you should time it with a holiday or breast cancer awareness month so you don’t forget. However, for women who are considered “high risk,” she recommends getting a breast MRI. “Yes, your mammogram was normal this year, but additionally you may be at a higher risk of breast cancer because you have increased breast density. About 50% of women fall into that category,” said Dr. Handa.
If you Google breast cancer risk calculator and answer the questions, you’ll receive a number. Dr. Handa said if the number is 20% or greater, you’re considered high risk. In that case, your insurance company will pay for an additional screening called a breast MRI. “It’s a very good opportunity to exclude earlier breast cancer when there’s a high strong family history of breast cancer a genetic predisposition.”
The exam only takes about 20 minutes. Radiologists look for where masses may exist. The goal is to find them when they’re small and haven’t spread. “The smaller the tumor without any involvement of the lymph nodes, the easier it is to treat,” said Dr. Handa. You can discuss screening options with your primary care doctor.
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