Medically Reviewed by Scott Berry, MD

McLeod Breast Surgeon Dr. Scott Berry explains the importance of mammograms and what women can do to lower their risk of breast cancer.

We always recommend self exams. If you think about it, for women under the age of 40, since they’re not getting mammograms yet, their self exam may be the only screening they’re getting. And if you’re under the age of 40, 80% of breast cancers are actually found by women themselves. Sometimes it’s actually the woman or man who brings the lump to the attention of their provider, but more often than that, it’s a screening mammogram abnormality.

Generally, we say women should start mammograms at age 40, and they should get them every year, preferably at a center that does 3D mammography. We have three different imaging modalities that we use. Mammography is really the mainstay. We add ultrasound when there are specific questions that need to be answered, and then sometimes we even do MRIs.

A category one or two mammogram is a normal mammogram, and the recommendation would be to repeat the mammogram in one year. A category three mammogram is likely to be benign, and the recommendation would be for a short interval, such as a six month follow-up study to ensure that it’s stable. The category four and five mammograms require a tissue diagnosis, and those are the ones that we’ll address by having the radiologist do an image-guided biopsy.

The things that we call modifiable risk factors are the things that you can actually do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is probably the most important thing. Exercising regularly, limiting your alcohol intake and getting your yearly examinations and screening mammograms done are the best ways to stay healthy.

To schedule your mammogram at a McLeod Hospital by CLICKING HERE or calling  McLeod Reservations and Scheduling at 843-777-2095 and choose OPTION 1.