30
Apr
Mammogram Guidelines Update
Mammograms are a widely used tool for breast screening and early detection. However, there has often been confusion among patients regarding the appropriate age to start breast screening and the frequency of imaging. Published guidelines from a variety of national expert groups provide different recommended ages to start screening and different frequencies for screening, which is probably a major reason why patients may be confused. That’s why Southern Arizona Radiology Associates (SARA) wants to clarify the latest updates on screening mammogram guidelines.
On April 30th, 2024, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, issued a final recommendation statement to update its breast cancer screening guidelines. The updated guidelines fall more in line with recommendations from other expert professional society recommendations, which should relieve some of the confusion regarding breast cancer screening recommendations. The USPSTF now recommends that women of average risk should uniformly begin screening mammograms at age 40, recognizing that a substantially larger number of lives are saved by starting at age 40 rather than age 50. However, the USPSTF did not change its recommendation that a screening mammogram be performed on a biennial basis, or once every two years. The USPSTF maintains its recommendation to undergo a screening mammo every two years until age 74.
USPSTF Mammogram Guidelines for Average Risk Women
| New Guidelines (After April 30th, 2024) | Women ages 40 to 74 should have a mammogram once every 2 years. |
| Old Guidelines (Before April 30th, 2024) | Women ages 50 to 74 should have a mammogram once every 2 years. Women ages 40 to 49 should talk to their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of mammograms before making a decision regarding starting screening. |
What does SARA recommend?
For years SARA has recommended, and continues to recommend that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin screening mammography at age 40, and supports the change that USPSTF is making to its guidelines. However SARA follows the guidelines published by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which has long recommended beginning screening mammography at age 40 for average risk women, but recommends breast screening on an annual basis, or once every year, because annual imaging has been shown to save more lives.
SARA and the ACR also recommend that women with a higher-than-average lifetime risk of breast cancer, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer, should start screening earlier and undergo additional imaging, such as breast MRI.
On May 3rd, 2023, the ACR also published updated recommendations for women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer. Specifically, the ACR recommends that all women should undergo risk assessment by age 25 to allow for planning of appropriate supplemental screening. The ACR emphasizes that this recommendation is especially critical for black women because this patient demographic is at a higher risk of breast cancer at a younger age; and for women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent because this patient demographic is at a higher risk of genetic mutations. The ACR also now recommends that women with dense breast tissue who wish to have supplemental breast imaging should have annual screening bilateral breast MRI performed in addition to an annual screening mammogram.
ACR Mammogram Guidelines for Average Risk Women
| Women 40 or older should have a mammogram every year. There is no defined upper age limit, and mammograms should be considered as long as the patient is in good health, able to have the exam performed, and willing to undergo additional testing for abnormal findings, including biopsy. |
Where can I get a mammogram near me?
SARA is a trusted locally and independently physician-owned radiology practice that operates a complete breast imaging center in Tucson and another complete breast imaging center in Sierra Vista. A third SARA location is slated to open soon in Green Valley, and will also be equipped as a complete breast imaging center. All SARA imaging centers provide state-of-the-art 3D breast imaging to our Southern Arizona neighbors, including breast MRI and 3D mammograms (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT). Our team of experienced radiologists utilizes these latest technologies to provide accurate results and improve cancer detection rates. Women in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Green Valley, and other communities across Southern Arizona can conveniently schedule a mammogram online or on the phone with the SARA scheduling team. For patients not using insurance, SARA has extended its special breast imaging and breast procedure self-pay pricing.
Dr. Jacob Walsh
Connect on LinkedinDr. Jacob Walsh, MD, is a board-certified radiologist since 2015, specializing in musculoskeletal imaging. He completed his fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology at Diversified Radiology in Denver, CO, and his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. Walsh earned his MD and BS from The University of Arizona. His rigorous training and board certification underscore his authoritative knowledge and commitment to the field, ensuring trustworthiness and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Aria Ghaffari
Connect on LinkedinAria Ghaffari, MD, is a board-certified radiologist since 2021 with specialized training in musculoskeletal radiology from The University of Arizona. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Florida and an internal medicine internship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. A Georgetown University School of Medicine alumnus, Dr. Ghaffari brings extensive expertise to his field. His comprehensive training and certification reflect his commitment to high standards of patient care and professionalism.
Dr. Kevin Shea
Connect on LinkedinKevin Shea, MD, a board-certified radiologist since 1992, specializes in body imaging. He completed a fellowship at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and a diagnostic radiology residency at David Grant USAF Medical Center. His internal medicine internship was at the University of Virginia Hospital. An alumnus of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Dr. Shea combines decades of experience with a robust educational background, ensuring high-quality, authoritative care in radiology.
Dr. Thomas Stejskal
Thomas Stejskal, MD, board-certified in radiology since 1985, specializes in cross-sectional imaging and interventional radiology. He completed both his fellowship and residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he also earned his MD. His transitional medicine internship was at the Tucson Hospitals Medical Education Program. With a strong educational foundation from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Stejskal brings extensive expertise and a commitment to advanced radiological care.
Dr. Joshua Walsh
Connect on LinkedinJoshua Walsh, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2006, specializes in body and musculoskeletal radiology. He completed his fellowship and residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he also earned his MD. His internal medicine internship was completed at the same institution. A University of Arizona graduate, Dr. Walsh combines extensive training with a strong commitment to providing expert radiological care.
Dr. Nathan Anavy
Connect on LinkedinNathan Anavy, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2015, specializes in interventional radiology. He completed his fellowship, residency, and internal medicine internship at The University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he also earned his MD. Additionally, Dr. Anavy holds a master’s degree in physiology from The University of Arizona and a BS from Trinity College. His extensive training and advanced education underscore his expertise and dedication to providing high-quality, innovative radiological care.
Dr. Nicholas Fraley
Connect on LinkedinNicholas Fraley, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2007, is an expert in neuroradiology. He completed his fellowship and residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine and his transitional medicine internship at MacNeal Memorial Hospital. Dr. Fraley earned his MD from Indiana University School of Medicine and his BS from Indiana University Northwest. His extensive training and background in neuroradiology ensure expert, high-quality care in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions.
Dr. Amy Janicek
Connect on LinkedinAmy Janicek, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2017, specializes in interventional radiology. She completed her fellowship and diagnostic radiology residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. Her training includes general surgery internships and residency at Scott and White Medical Center. Dr. Janicek earned both her MD and BS from Texas A&M University. Her extensive training and dual background in surgery and radiology provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Dr. Stella Kahn
Stella Kahn, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2004, is a specialist in neuroradiology. She completed her fellowship and residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine and an internship in transitional medicine at Atlanta Medical Center. Dr. Kahn earned her MD from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and her BS from Stanford University. Her extensive training and focus on neuroradiology underscore her expertise and commitment to advanced diagnostic care.
Dr. Melanie Kuhlman
Melanie Kuhlman, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2013, specializes in interventional radiology. She completed her fellowship and diagnostic radiology residency at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. Her internship was in general surgery at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. Dr. Kuhlman earned her MD and BS from The University of Arizona. Her comprehensive training and specialization ensure advanced, expert care in interventional radiology.
Dr. Rajul Shah
Connect on LinkedinRajul Shah, MD, board-certified in radiology since 2003, specializes in neuroradiology. He completed his fellowship and diagnostic radiology residency at Ohio State University Medical Center and his transitional medicine internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dr. Shah earned his MD from Spartan Health Science University and his BS from the University of Houston. His extensive training and expertise in neuroradiology ensure high-quality, specialized care for neurological imaging needs.