Yes, breast cancer screening typically starts when a woman turns 40, but in some states, including in Connecticut, women at average risk can receive a baseline mammogram – covered by insurance – as young as 35.
As a radiologist and co-director of Stamford Health’s Breast Center, I see and diagnose a significant number of early onset breast cancer cases. It’s not just my experience: Nationally, more women under age 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Recent findings show that the Northeast has the highest rate of incidence, and that Connecticut has the highest rate of all states.
Regular and early screening is key to detection, and thankfully, Connecticut has a unique law that allows women as young as 35 to have a baseline mammogram covered by insurance. (New York, which is in the top five incidence rates of early breast cancer, has a similar mandate.) Per the state, policies must additionally cover a comprehensive ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a mammogram shows heterogeneous or dense breast tissue – which can make it harder for radiologists to spot cancers.
Most major medical societies recommend that the average woman (meaning she is not at high risk of developing cancer) start annual mammography screenings at age 40.
A typical screening takes about 15 minutes and, while some patients find mammography uncomfortable, I encourage taking ibuprofen or icing the breast beforehand to ease discomfort. As with all mammograms, there is a chance of a false positive, but the benefits of having a baseline far outweigh the risks.
Women in Connecticut should speak with their OB-GYN or health care provider about pursuing a baseline mammogram between 35 and 39 years old. I believe very much in screening imaging in this millennial population that I had my own breast imaging done on TV for a segment on CBS New York.
As a radiologist and co-director of Stamford Health’s Breast Center, I see and diagnose a significant number of early onset breast cancer cases. It’s not just my experience: Nationally, more women under age 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Recent findings show that the Northeast has the highest rate of incidence, and that Connecticut has the highest rate of all states.
Regular and early screening is key to detection, and thankfully, Connecticut has a unique law that allows women as young as 35 to have a baseline mammogram covered by insurance. (New York, which is in the top five incidence rates of early breast cancer, has a similar mandate.) Per the state, policies must additionally cover a comprehensive ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a mammogram shows heterogeneous or dense breast tissue – which can make it harder for radiologists to spot cancers.
What is a baseline mammogram?
A baseline mammogram is a woman’s first mammogram, which will look for any signs of cancer, but will also provide preliminary images that radiologists can later compare against.Most major medical societies recommend that the average woman (meaning she is not at high risk of developing cancer) start annual mammography screenings at age 40.
What is the benefit to receiving a baseline mammogram at 35?
A baseline mammogram provides a reference point for future mammography screenings, making it easier for radiologists to identify any changes in the breasts. It can also help to determine if a woman has dense breasts or any abnormalities.A typical screening takes about 15 minutes and, while some patients find mammography uncomfortable, I encourage taking ibuprofen or icing the breast beforehand to ease discomfort. As with all mammograms, there is a chance of a false positive, but the benefits of having a baseline far outweigh the risks.
Women in Connecticut should speak with their OB-GYN or health care provider about pursuing a baseline mammogram between 35 and 39 years old. I believe very much in screening imaging in this millennial population that I had my own breast imaging done on TV for a segment on CBS New York.
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