Breast Cancer Screening

• Start regular screening mammograms at age 40.
• Pick a schedule that fits your goals and preferences: every year or every other year. We’ll help you weigh benefits and potential harms (like call‑backs).
• Prefer 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) when available.
• Continue screening through at least age 74. Beyond that, decide together based on your health and preferences.
• If you notice a new lump, skin change, nipple discharge, or focal pain, call us—diagnostic imaging can be done any time, regardless of your screening schedule.

• Known pathogenic gene variant (e.g., BRCA1/2, PALB2, TP53, PTEN, CDH1, CHEK2, ATM) or strong family history.
• Prior chest radiation therapy between ages 10–30.
• Calculated lifetime risk is high (generally ≥20%). Calculate your lifetime risk here: 

                          https://ibis.ikonopedia.com/

In these situations, we often add a yearly breast MRI in addition to your mammogram. We’ll tailor the plan (and start ages) to your risk.

Breast density describes how much fibroglandular tissue and fat are in the breast and is reported on your mammogram as BI‑RADS A–D. Many people have dense breasts; it’s common and not a diagnosis by itself.

BI‑RADS density categories:

• A: Almost entirely fatty
• B: Scattered fibroglandular density
• C: Heterogeneously dense (may hide small masses)
• D: Extremely dense (lowers mammogram sensitivity)

Why it’s in the news: Dense tissue can make cancers harder to see on mammograms and slightly raises risk. New federal rules require that breast density be reported in patient mammography result letters—so you’ll see your density in writing after your exam.

What it means for you:

• If your density is A–B: continue regular screening mammograms (annual or every other year).
• If your density is C–D: continue annual 3D mammograms and talk with your clinician about whether supplemental imaging makes sense based on your overall risk. MRI is typically added for people at high lifetime risk; ultrasound or contrast‑enhanced mammography may help in selected cases.

For expert, patient‑friendly education, visit DenseBreast‑info.org.

BJC Medical Group Women's Health Care at Chesterfield | Phone: 636‑484‑5270

Use your patient portal to message us securely and to share any family history details ahead of your appointment.

Educational content only. Not a diagnosis or individual medical advice.