Mammograms, Breast Exams and Family History: A Monroe Woman's October Checklist
Pink ribbons are a nice reminder, but they don't tell you what to actually do. Dr. Soudabeh Ahadi shares a simple five-step October checklist that takes about ten minutes and makes your next visit a lot more useful.
In this article
Know when your next mammogram is due
Ask what your report says about breast density
Write down your family history
Get to know what's normal for you
Put your well-woman visit on the calendar
Frequently asked questions
Every October, the pink ribbons come out. You see them on coffee cups, football fields and storefronts around Monroe. It's a good reminder, but a ribbon doesn't tell you what to actually do.
So here's a simple checklist. It takes about ten minutes, and it can make your next visit a lot more useful.
1. Know when your next mammogram is due
Most women at average risk should start screening mammograms at 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one every two years from 40 to 74. Some medical groups suggest every year. Both are reasonable, and the right rhythm for you depends on your history and your preferences.
If you can't remember when your last one was, you're not alone. Check your patient portal, or just ask us at your next visit. We'll look it up.
2. Ask what your report says about breast density
Since 2024, every mammogram report in the U.S. has to tell you whether you have dense breast tissue. Dense breasts are common and normal. Nearly half of women have them. But dense tissue can make a mammogram harder to read, and it can slightly raise breast cancer risk.
If your report says "dense," that's not a diagnosis. It's a reason to talk with us about whether any extra screening makes sense for you.
3. Write down your family history
This is the one most people skip, and it's one of the most important. Before your visit, try to find out:
Has anyone in your family had breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer?
How old were they when they were diagnosed?
Which side of the family were they on? Dad's side counts just as much as Mom's.
Has anyone had genetic testing, such as for BRCA?
You don't need perfect answers. A rough list is a great start. A strong family history can change when you start screening, how often, and whether genetic counseling is worth a conversation.
4. Get to know what's normal for you
You don't need to do a formal monthly self-exam with a set pattern. But it does help to know how your breasts usually look and feel, so you notice when something changes. Sarah Patterson, WHNP, walks through which changes are normal and which are worth a call in.
5. Put your well-woman visit on the calendar
Your yearly well-woman visit is where all of this comes together. It's a chance to:
Review when your next mammogram is due and get it ordered
Talk through your family history and whether genetic screening makes sense
Ask any questions, even the ones that feel awkward
"I've been caring for women in Monroe since 1982, and the conversations that matter most are often the simplest ones," says Dr. Ahadi. "When was your last mammogram? Who in your family has had cancer? Five minutes on those two questions can change everything."
If you've been putting off your mammogram or your annual visit, this is your sign. You don't have to have a worry to book. Most visits are just good, routine care, and that's exactly the point.
Book your well-woman visit or call us at (734) 242-2022.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I get my first mammogram? For most women at average risk, screening starts at 40. If a close relative had breast cancer, or you have other risk factors, we may suggest starting earlier. Let's talk about what makes sense for you.
Do I need a referral or an order for a mammogram? Most imaging centers need an order from your provider. We can write one at your well-woman visit and point you to where to go.
What if my mammogram report says I have dense breasts? It's common and not a diagnosis. Dense tissue can hide small changes on a mammogram, so bring your report to your next visit and we'll talk about whether extra screening, like an ultrasound, is worth it.
My mom had breast cancer. Does that mean I will too? Not necessarily. Most women with a family history never get breast cancer. But it can change when and how often you're screened, and sometimes genetic counseling is a good next step. Bring what you know and we'll go through it together.
References
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Breast Cancer: Screening (2024).
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. If you notice a new breast change, please call us.
Comments