Breast Cancer & Mammograms: What Every Woman Should Know About Early Detection
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it a meaningful time to pause, prioritize your breast health, and take a closer look at the steps you can take to protect your health. While October brings important attention to breast cancer awareness, screening mammograms and routine breast care should be part of your health journey year-round. Knowing when to begin mammograms, how often to schedule breast cancer screenings, and what changes to watch for can help you feel informed and confident in making decisions about your health. Whether you’re approaching age 40 and wondering when to schedule your first mammogram, have questions about your personal breast cancer risk, or simply want to stay proactive with your preventive care, understanding the importance of regular breast cancer screening is a great place to start. At Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates, we’re here to help you navigate your breast health with compassionate care, trusted guidance, and convenient access to mammography right here in our offices.
Why Is Breast Cancer Screening Important?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer by age 75. Regular breast cancer screening can help detect cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage, sometimes before a woman notices any signs or symptoms. Screening can also identify other breast problems that are not cancer.
One of the most important tools used for breast cancer screening is mammography. A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast that allows a radiologist to look for changes that may indicate breast cancer or other breast problems. Because a screening mammogram is designed to look for abnormalities before symptoms appear, regular mammography is an important part of preventive health care.
Mammograms: When to Start and How Often to Get One
According to ACOG, women at average risk of breast cancer should begin screening mammography at age 40 and continue screening annually, based on an informed discussion with their health care provider.
Your recommended screening schedule may look different if you have an increased risk of breast cancer, which is why talking with your provider about your individual risk factors is an important part of your preventive care.
It is also important to understand that a screening mammogram is intended for women who do not have signs or symptoms of a breast problem. If you notice a new lump, unexpected nipple discharge, skin changes, redness, dimpling, or another change in your breasts, don’t wait until your next routine mammogram to address it. Contact your health care provider so your concern can be evaluated and, if needed, the appropriate diagnostic imaging can be ordered.
Know Your Normal: The Importance of Breast Self-Awareness
Breast health also includes breast self-awareness. ACOG does not recommend routine monthly breast self-exams for women at average risk. Instead, the focus is on knowing what is normal for your breasts—their usual appearance and feel—and paying attention to changes.
You know your body better than anyone. If something feels or looks different, don’t ignore it or feel like you have to wait for your next screening appointment. Speaking with your trusted OB-GYN is an important next step when you notice a change.
What If I Have a Higher Risk of Breast Cancer?
While age is an important factor when determining when to begin routine mammograms, breast cancer screening is not one-size-fits-all. Some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and may benefit from starting screening at a younger age, having mammograms more frequently, or having additional screening methods.
Factors that may increase breast cancer risk include a family history of breast cancer, certain inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a personal history of breast cancer, or a history of radiation treatment to the chest at a young age. Other personal and medical factors may also affect your individual risk.
If you’re unsure about your personal breast cancer risk or when you should begin screening, talk with your Lyndhurst provider. Together, you can discuss your personal and family history, risk factors, and the screening schedule that makes sense for your individual health.
What Can You Expect During a Mammogram?
If you’ve never had a mammogram, it’s completely normal to wonder what the experience will be like. Knowing what to expect can help make your first mammogram feel a little less intimidating.
During a mammogram, a trained mammography technologist will position your breast on the mammography equipment. The breast is briefly compressed between two plates while X-ray images are taken. Compression helps create clear images while using the lowest amount of radiation necessary. Several images are typically taken of each breast.
The entire process is relatively quick, although the experience can feel uncomfortable or create pressure for some women. If you’re nervous or have questions, let your technologist know. They can explain each step and help you feel more comfortable throughout the process.
After your images are taken, a radiologist reviews the mammograms and sends the results to your health care provider.
Mammograms at Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates
At Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates, we believe preventive care should be an easy and supported part of your overall women’s healthcare, not something you have to put off because getting another appointment at another location feels overwhelming.
That’s why we’re proud to offer in-office mammography at Lyndhurst, making it possible for women to access important breast cancer screening conveniently within their women’s healthcare experience. Our mammography services are available at both our Winston-Salem and Mount Airy locations, giving women in our communities more options when it comes to staying up to date with their breast health.
Mammography in Winston-Salem
Our Winston-Salem office offers convenient in-office mammography at:
Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates
111 Hanestown Court, Suite 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336-765-9350
Mammography in Mount Airy
Women in the Mount Airy area can also access mammography at our Lyndhurst location:
Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates
1908 Caudle Dr., Suite 101
Mt. Airy, NC 27030
336-789-9076
And you do not have to be an established Lyndhurst patient to have a mammogram at our Mount Airy location. We welcome women from the community who are looking for convenient access to breast cancer screening.
Whether you’re scheduling your first mammogram, staying on track with your routine screening, or simply have questions about when you should begin, our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step in caring for your breast health.
Don’t Wait for October to Take Care of Your Breast Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month allows us to talk about breast health, but taking care of yourself shouldn’t be limited to one month on the calendar. Your health is personal, your risk factors are unique, and your screening needs may change throughout your life.
At Lyndhurst, we want you to feel informed, supported, and confident when it comes to your health. Whether you’re approaching your first mammogram, keeping up with routine breast cancer screening, or simply aren’t sure when you’re due, we’re here to help you navigate the next step.
With in-office mammography available in Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, taking care of your breast health can be one less thing you have to put off.
