Stamatia V. Destounis, MD, FACR, Chair of the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Commission on Breast Imaging, contributed this piece.
October is here, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a vital time to shine a spotlight on a disease that impacts one in eight patients over their lifetime. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness and education around breast cancer risk factors and lifesaving screening recommendations.
ACR breast cancer screening guidelines call for all women — particularly Black and Ashkenazi Jewish women — to talk to their doctors by age 25 to determine their breast cancer risk, when screening should start, how frequently, and what supplemental imaging screening tests they should be having.
With more women under the age of 40 getting breast cancer, the guidelines recommend patients talk to their doctor by age 25 to see:
- If they should get a mammogram before age 40.
- If they need other tests – like MRI – with their yearly mammogram.
- Or if they are at high-risk for breast cancer and should be checked more than once a year.
Some women have a higher chance of getting breast cancer than others, and those with one or more risk factors may be considered at highest risk for developing breast cancer during their lifetimes. These risk factors include:
- Family history of breast cancer (although most women who develop breast cancer have no breast cancer in their family).
- Previous diagnosis of breast cancer.
- Genetic mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
- Family history of a genetic mutation carrier and the patient is untested.
- Previous treatment with radiation to the chest for cancer.
- “High-risk” results on breast biopsies such as atypias or pre-cancerous lesions.
- Dense breast tissue identified on mammography.
Patients and physicians can visit Mammography Saves Lives for resources to help facilitate these important conversations. Additionally, the ACR offers an In Focus content page featuring patient-friendly videos, articles, podcasts and more to help physicians discuss lead discussions and shared decision-making when it comes to breast care.
Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the United States by nearly 40% since 1990. Let’s continue to save more lives by continuing the conversation with our patients and referring physicians on these screening guidelines and resources.