Mammograms? How Often? Dr. Brueck comments

Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD frequently comments on items in the news about breast health and surgery. As a Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon with 30+ years in practice, Dr. Brueck strives to keep patients and the public aware of developments in the field.

It seems like every time you roll-over and get out of bed there are new guidelines as to how often to get mammograms and when you should start.

The ACOG recommends women 40 or older be given annual mammograms. This same frequency is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology.

The overall consensus is mammograms save lives.

A computer model developed by the authors of the Annals of Internal Medicine study showed that all women should have a baseline mammogram to determine breast density.

The more dense the breast, the greater the likelihood of breast cancer.

The fact that there are so many varied opinions means there is no concrete evidence/standards that are universally acceptable. I think self exam is critical.

Also, if someone is over 40, has dense breasts and multiple risk factors re: positive family history or a positive genetic marker, then annual mammograms (or at least one every 2 years) would be in order.

Always check with your primary physician who is knowledgeable about your particular case.