Breast cancer awareness and early detection remain critical in safeguarding your health. With updated screening guidelines and emerging trends, staying informed about how to protect yourself is critical. At Griffin Concierge Medical, we’re focused on prevention, helping you identify risk factors early. Our physicians partner with you to help you make informed decisions to help you live a healthier life.
Here, we address some common questions about breast cancer screening.
When Should I Start Breast Cancer Screening?
According to guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), it’s now recommended that women start regular mammogram screenings at age 40 instead of 50. This change was driven by data showing an increase in breast cancer diagnoses in women in their 40s.
“Starting annual screenings as early as 35 to 40 years old increases the chance of catching breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages,” says Debbie St. Clair, M.D., Medical Director at Griffin Concierge Medical.
The USPSTF recommends mammograms every two years from ages 40 to 74. However, other organizations suggest annual screenings for more thorough detection, especially in high-risk groups (“USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines 2024”)(Med Xpress)(Breast Cancer Research Foundation). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends screenings every 1 to 2 years for those between the ages of 40 to 55, then every 2 years after the age of 55.
Data suggests that shorter screening intervals are associated with improved outcomes (especially for those under the age of 50) and the least number of breast cancer deaths. At GCM, we recommend yearly screenings in most cases.
Why Is Screening Important?
Early detection through regular screenings significantly improves survival rates for breast cancer. “Annual mammogram screenings offer the best opportunity to catch breast cancer before it progresses, which can lead to less aggressive treatment options and better outcomes,” states Dr. St. Clair.
Studies show that more frequent screenings result in fewer cases of advanced-stage cancer, emphasizing the value of early and consistent screenings (“Breast Cancer Screening Interval Study”)(Med Xpress).
Screening means more than just mammograms. During your annual wellness exam, your Griffin physician will perform a physical breast exam to check for any changes or abnormalities, such as a lump.
Breast self-awareness is also beneficial, as breast cancer is often found by a woman herself. “It’s important to know what is normal for your breasts so that you can tell if any changes occur,” says Dr. St. Clair. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, inform your Griffin physician right away.
Additional Tools For Early Detection
At Griffin Concierge Medical, we offer the GRAIL Galleri test to complement mammograms and other cancer screenings. This simple blood test detects cancer markers in the blood for more than 50 types of cancers.
We also partner with New Amsterdam Genomics (NAG) to offer you an AI-based test (via a saliva swab) that examines all 22,000 genes of your genome. Included in this are more than 1000 genes related to cancer risk.
These tests can help you and your Griffin physician customize recommendations based on your unique results. Talk to us about adding the Galleri and NAG tests to your next lab appointment.
What About Women With Dense Breasts?
Women with dense breast tissue face challenges in detecting abnormalities. Dense tissue can make it harder for mammograms to detect tumors, leading to false positives or missed diagnoses. “For women with dense breasts, additional screening methods such as ultrasounds or MRIs may be necessary,” adds Dr. St. Clair. “At Griffin Concierge Medical, we emphasize personalized care, ensuring every patient gets the right screening for them.”
Are There Risks Associated with Mammograms?
While mammograms are generally safe, they do carry a small risk of false positives, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies or follow-up tests. “Though false positives can cause anxiety, the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks,” says Dr. St. Clair. Advances in technology are continuing to improve accuracy, reducing the number of false positives, especially for younger women with dense breast tissue (“USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines 2024”)(Breast Cancer Research Foundation).
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?
In addition to regular screenings, lifestyle changes can reduce your breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and smoking cessation can play a big role in helping lower your cancer risk.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Breast Health
Breast cancer screenings are essential to maintaining your health. With updated guidelines recommending mammograms beginning at age 40 or younger, being proactive about your breast health is more important than ever. Regular screenings offer the best chance for early detection and can help ensure that any necessary treatments can be less invasive and more effective.
At Griffin Concierge Medical, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your screening plan is personalized for your unique health needs and helping you navigate your healthcare journey.
Let’s work together to protect your health. Call us at 813-350-9090 to schedule your annual wellness exam.
Sources:
- “Breast Cancer Screening Interval: Effect on Rate of Late-Stage Disease at Diagnosis and Overall Survival.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024, doi:10.1200/JCO.24.00285.
- “Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Breast Cancer.” U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024, www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening.
- “USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines 2024.” Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 30 Apr. 2024, www.bcrf.org/blog/uspstf-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines
- “Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems
