The Importance of Annual Screening Mammograms

Getting a screening mammogram can be hard to fit into your busy schedule. Between balancing your professional and personal life, it may feel like you do not have the time. With ever-changing screening guidelines, the path toward peace of mind can have multiple routes. So, which one should you take?

In 2022 alone, 1.9 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis can have far-reaching effects on not only you but also your loved ones. South Jersey Radiology recommends that women starting at the age of 40 should make annual screening mammograms a part of their wellness routine to allow them to keep doing what they love with who they love.

What Are The Benefits Of Annual Screening Mammograms?

Annual screening mammograms are important for the early detection of breast cancer, even in the absence of symptoms. A consistent, annual screening mammogram creates a baseline for your breast health, allowing our breast imaging experts to identify any changes to ensure that early signs of abnormalities are addressed quickly.

• Improved Detection – Breast tissue changes over time, and annual screening helps detect subtle changes as early as possible – up to 2 years before a doctor or you may detect a lump through a clinical exam or self-exam.
• Reduced Need for Additional Imaging – The baseline of your breast health and year-over-year comparisons decrease the need for additional, more-invasive follow-up imaging, which saves you time and money.
• Insurance Coverage – Most health insurance providers cover the full cost of an annual screening mammogram for women over 40 or under 40 if they have a breast cancer-related risk factor such as a family history.

What Are The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

Understanding the risk factors associated with breast cancer can help you assess your own susceptibility and take the correct precautions. While some risk factors are beyond control, many of them can be managed by routine monitoring and care. The common risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Age – With natural hormonal changes occurring throughout your 40s, 50s, and 60s, your risk of developing breast cancer increases dramatically. About 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer annually are ages 45 and older.
• Ethnicity – Your ethnic background can play a role in determining your risk for breast cancer. Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than other ethnicities, while African American women are 40% more likely to develop aggressive forms of breast cancer.
• Family History – Having direct relatives (mother, sister, or aunt) who were diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer increases your own risk, especially before the age of 40.
• Genetics – Certain genetic mutations and hormonal changes can influence your risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have an early start of menstruation, use birth control, breast tissue density, and protein gene production (BRCA1 & BRCA 2) are considered genetic predispositions.
• Lifestyle – Certain lifestyle factors can increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer including obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and low physical activity.
• Reproductive History – Your reproductive history can play a role in your risk of developing breast cancer. Women who had their first pregnancy after 30 or did not breastfeed have an increased risk.

Does It Matter Where I Go?

A common misconception is it doesn’t matter where you go for your annual screening mammogram. However, this is simply not the case. Not all women’s imaging providers are the same, and even their approach toward breast health can vary. So, what does the best breast imaging center look like?

There are a few factors you want to weigh when choosing a breast imaging center. First, a breast imaging center should have subspecialized radiologists interpreting your results. A radiologist who is subspecialized has specific training around a particular area of the body. For an annual screening mammogram, a breast imaging, subspecialized radiologist will have the attention to detail that allows for detailed reports to be developed. The minor details can have a huge impact on diagnosis and treatment planning if needed.

Second, it is important to make sure that the breast imaging center has a comprehensive approach to your breast health. When you have a trusted, experienced breast imaging expert available no matter where your journey towards wellness takes you, it can make a big difference. Where you go for your annual screening mammogram should be able to help you no matter the circumstances by offering advanced studies that can further evaluate your breast health including MRIs, ultrasounds, and biopsies.

Lastly and most importantly, the right breast imaging center should provide compassionate and convenient care. Between the balancing acts of daily life, an annual screening mammogram should be able to fit your schedule. When researching, look for a breast imaging provider that offers convenient hours and scheduling options, and has a comfortable environment.

Where Should I Look?

Don’t feel overwhelmed. There are many advocates and organizations available to help you find the right breast imaging center for you. The American College of Radiology (ACR) has accredited select breast imaging centers around the country based on their ability to deliver compassionate, end-to-end care. The accreditation, Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE), is designated after breast imaging thought leaders consider the factors outlined above. If you are looking for a BICOE provider near you, the ACR has developed this useful, free tool.

Why Should I Choose South Jersey Radiology?

For over 80 years, South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA) has provided advanced screening and diagnostic breast imaging studies for the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. SJRA is proud to be one of the region’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence providers. All our women’s centers offer an integrated, compassionate approach toward breast health throughout your journey without needing a different provider. With evening and weekend hours available, our team of breast imaging experts makes it easier than ever to schedule your annual screening with no referral necessary. Schedule your appointment today at any of the following locations:

• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Cross Keys Women’s Center – Sewell, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Greentree Office – Marlton, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• Women’s Center at Virtua – Voorhees Township, NJ
• Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ

Meet our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret our studies at SJRA here.