Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive healthcare. Regular screening can help detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, giving patients and their healthcare providers an opportunity to identify and address concerning changes early.
A mammogram is one of the most commonly used screening tests for breast cancer. However, the appropriate screening schedule can vary depending on your age, personal medical history, family history, and other risk factors.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow and divide uncontrollably. Although breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also develop the disease.
There are several types of breast cancer, and they can behave differently. Some breast cancers may grow slowly, while others can be more aggressive.
Because breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, breast cancer screening plays an important role in early detection.
Why Is Breast Cancer Screening Important?
Breast cancer does not always cause a lump, pain, or other noticeable symptoms when it first develops.
A screening mammogram can identify certain abnormalities in breast tissue before they become noticeable to you or your healthcare provider during a physical examination.
Regular screening may help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage. Your healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate screening schedule based on your individual risk.
When Should You Get a Mammogram?
There is not one screening schedule that is appropriate for every woman.
For women at average risk, major medical organizations generally recommend beginning routine mammography during midlife, although the recommended starting age and screening interval can differ among guidelines.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a different screening plan if you have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Factors that may affect your screening recommendations include:
- Your age
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited genetic mutations
- Previous breast biopsies
- Certain findings from previous breast imaging
- Previous radiation treatment involving the chest
- Other individual risk factors
If you are unsure when your next mammogram is due, talk with your healthcare provider rather than relying solely on a general age-based schedule.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer may not cause symptoms during its early stages. However, it is important to be aware of changes in your breasts.
Potential warning signs include:
- A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or changes in the appearance of the breast skin
- New nipple inversion
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Changes in the appearance or texture of the nipple
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
- Redness, swelling, or thickening of the breast skin
A breast lump or other breast change does not automatically mean that you have breast cancer. Many breast changes are benign.
However, a new or unusual change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Mammogram vs. Diagnostic Breast Imaging
It is important to understand the difference between screening and diagnostic breast imaging.
A screening mammogram is generally performed when you do not have breast symptoms or a known breast abnormality.
A diagnostic mammogram may be recommended when there is a concerning symptom, an abnormal screening result, or another finding that requires additional evaluation.
Depending on the situation, your healthcare provider may also recommend other imaging tests, such as breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
Does a Mammogram Hurt?
A mammogram requires temporary compression of the breast tissue to obtain clear images.
Some people experience pressure or discomfort during the procedure. The compression is typically brief, and the entire examination generally does not take very long.
If you have concerns about discomfort, let the mammography technologist know before the examination.
What Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed, including age, family history, and certain inherited genetic changes.
Other factors may be associated with breast cancer risk, including:
- Increasing age
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited gene mutations
- Certain reproductive and hormonal factors
- Previous radiation exposure to the chest
- Alcohol consumption
- Being overweight, particularly after menopause
- Physical inactivity
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop breast cancer.
Likewise, people without obvious risk factors can still develop breast cancer.
Can You Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. However, healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce certain risk factors.
Consider:
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity is associated with several health benefits and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important after menopause, when excess body weight can be associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Avoid Tobacco
Avoiding tobacco is important for overall health and may reduce the risk of several cancers and other chronic diseases.
Follow Recommended Screening
One of the most important steps you can take is to follow an individualized breast cancer screening plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
What If Breast Cancer Runs in Your Family?
Tell your healthcare provider if close relatives have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Your provider may review:
- Which family members were diagnosed
- Their age at diagnosis
- Whether cancer occurred in one or both breasts
- Whether ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, or other related cancers occur in the family
- Whether anyone in the family has undergone genetic testing
Depending on your family history, you may benefit from genetic counseling, genetic testing, earlier screening, or additional imaging.
When Should You Talk to Your Doctor?
Do not wait for your next routine physical if you notice a new breast change.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop:
- A new breast or underarm lump
- New nipple changes
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Skin changes
- Persistent breast symptoms
- A noticeable change in breast size or shape
Your provider can determine whether additional examination, imaging, or referral is appropriate.
Breast Cancer Screening in Katy, TX
If you live in Katy or the surrounding Fulshear area, staying current with preventive healthcare can make it easier to identify health concerns early.
At Katy-Fulshear Internal Medicine, preventive care includes reviewing age-appropriate health screenings and individual risk factors as part of your overall healthcare plan.
If you are unsure whether you are due for a mammogram, discuss your screening history and risk factors with your healthcare provider.
Take the Next Step in Your Breast Health
Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive healthcare. Knowing your risk factors, recognizing potential symptoms, and staying current with recommended mammograms can help you take an active role in your health.
Don’t wait until you notice a symptom to think about breast health. Talk with your healthcare provider about when breast cancer screening is appropriate for you.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Breast cancer screening recommendations may vary based on your personal and family history. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that is appropriate for you.
