It is easy to put your own healthcare behind work, family and everything else on your calendar. But breast cancer screening deserves a place on that list—even when you feel well. Mammograms can find breast cancer before a lump or other symptom appears, and regular screening can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
For women in Northeastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio, knowing when to start screening and where to turn for care can make the next step feel more manageable. PrimaryPlus offers women’s health services and works with regional partners to help bring mobile mammography closer to local communities.
Why mammograms are important
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue. A screening mammogram looks for signs of cancer in someone who has no breast symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram helps investigate a symptom or an abnormal screening result. Your healthcare provider can help determine which type of evaluation you need.
Breast cancer screening does not prevent cancer. Its purpose is to find it earlier, when treatment may be easier. Feeling healthy is not a reason to skip a screening that is due.
When to start mammograms and how often to get them
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 through 74. For adults age 75 and older, evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening; decisions should be individualized with a clinician.
You may hear different advice because medical organizations use different screening schedules. The American Cancer Society offers annual screening at ages 40 to 44, recommends annual mammograms at ages 45 to 54, and allows screening every two years or continued annual screening at age 55 and older.
Rather than trying to choose a schedule on your own, discuss your age, health, preferences and breast cancer risk with your provider. Ask when your next mammogram should happen and write down the plan.
Your breast cancer risk may change your screening plan
Tell your provider about breast or ovarian cancer in your family, known inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, previous breast cancer, prior high-risk breast biopsy findings, or chest radiation treatment when you were young. These details may change the screening recommended for you.
Some people at high risk need a breast MRI along with mammography each year, often starting around age 30. This is an individualized recommendation, not a screening schedule for everyone.
If your mammogram report mentions dense breasts, ask what that means for you. Dense tissue can make cancer harder to see on a mammogram. Whether additional imaging is appropriate depends on your overall risk and clinical circumstances; dense breasts do not automatically mean that everyone needs an ultrasound or MRI.
Breast changes should be checked promptly
Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice a new breast or underarm lump, skin dimpling, swelling, a change in breast shape, a newly inverted nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk, or new or persistent breast pain. These changes can have causes other than cancer, but they still need evaluation.
Do not wait for your next routine mammogram or assume a recent normal result explains a new symptom. Tell the office about the change when you call so the team can arrange the appropriate evaluation.
What to expect at your mammogram appointment
During the exam, a technologist positions each breast between two plates. Brief compression helps produce a clearer image. This can feel uncomfortable, and some people find it painful. Tell the technologist about your concerns or any discomfort.
Follow the imaging center’s preparation instructions. Avoid deodorant, perfume and powder on the day of the exam, and consider wearing a top with pants or a skirt so you can undress from the waist up. If your breasts are tender around your period, ask about scheduling at a more comfortable time.
Understand your results and complete follow up
Mammograms have limitations. They can miss cancer, and an abnormal finding may lead to additional imaging or a biopsy even when cancer is not present. Screening can also identify cancers that would never have caused symptoms or harm, which may lead to unnecessary treatment. Talk with your provider about the benefits and possible harms.
Before leaving your appointment, ask how you will receive your results. A callback does not by itself mean cancer, but it does mean the recommended next step matters. If you do not receive your results within about two weeks, contact the imaging center or your provider.
Women’s health and mammogram access at PrimaryPlus
PrimaryPlus provides women’s health services in Maysville, Vanceburg, Ashland, Grayson, Bracken County and Flemingsburg.
PrimaryPlus also partners with UK King’s Daughters Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Healthcare on mobile mammography services visiting the region. Its website lists visits to Vanceburg, Grayson, South Shore, Bracken, Ripley and Tollesboro, with additional regional stops. Contact your local office to confirm upcoming dates, appointment requirements and availability.
Most insurances cover screening mammograms. However, there are many programs that exist if a mammogram is not covered and/or if no insurance is in place. Never let cost be the reason you don’t receive a mammogram. If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask about screening assistance and eligibility requirements. PrimaryPlus identifies the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program among its access resources. Coverage and assistance vary, so confirm the details for your appointment and any follow-up testing.
Ready to discuss your breast health? Contact a PrimaryPlus location to schedule a women’s health visit and ask about your next mammogram. Bring your questions, family history and the date of your last screening. You do not have to figure out the next step alone.
This article provides general education and does not replace medical advice. Screening and diagnostic care should be personalized with your healthcare provider.