Breast Cancer Screening: When to Start
Annual breast cancer screenings aid in early detection and treatment, saving lives. However, misconceptions often prevent people from getting necessary screenings.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham expert, Stefanie Woodard, D.O., associate professor in the Department of Radiology, shares tips on recognizing when it's time for a screening.
Most people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of cancer
Woodard recommends annual screenings for all women, as risk factors such as age, reproductive history, and lifestyle can impact the chance of developing breast cancer.
Concerns about radiation from mammograms should not deter patients, as the amount of radiation is low.
Author's summary: Annual breast cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment.