Breastcancer.org Mammogram Recommendations

Breastcancer.org believes that all medical decisions, including if and when to screen for breast cancer, are decisions to be made by each woman and her doctor.

If you're 40 or older and have an average risk of breast cancer, yearly screening mammograms should be part of your healthcare.

If your breast cancer risk is higher than average, talk to your doctor about a more aggressive breast cancer screening plan that makes the most sense for your particular situation. Your plan may include breast MRI or ultrasound in addition to mammograms.

There's only one of you and you deserve the best care possible. Don't let any obstacles get in the way of your regular screening mammograms.

• If you're worried about cost, talk to your doctor, a local hospital social worker, or staff members at a mammogram center. Ask about free programs in your area. You can also call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422-6237 to be directed to lower-cost mammogram centers in your area.
• If you're having difficulty scheduling a mammogram at the center where you live, call the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, or visit the American College of Radiology web site’s Accredited Facility Search to find additional certified mammogram providers near you.
• If you find mammograms painful, ask the mammography center staff members how the experience can be as easy and as comfortable as possible for you.