Why it’s important to get yearly mammograms

Most people likely know that finding a lump in your breast is cause for concern. But getting regular mammograms can help women find cancer before it can be felt.  

In the United States, one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. It’s important to catch cancer early, when it’s more easily treatable.  

Women generally should start getting an annual mammogram at age 40, but it’s also crucial to be aware of family history, said David Sechler, MD, FACS, medical director of the TidalHealth Breast Center.  

Women with a close family member diagnosed at a younger age should start getting mammograms 10 years before reaching that age, Sechler said. For example, if a woman was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, her daughter would start going in for routine mammograms at age 35.  

“The whole goal here is to find cancer at an early stage and when it’s small,” Dr. Sechler said.  

What to expect 

Haven’t gotten your first mammogram yet? Dr. Sechler said patients normally need to get an order from their primary care physician. Then, they can call the TidalHealth Breast Center at 410-543-7599 to make an appointment, first selecting “3” for the office and then “1” to make or change an appointment. Patients can also schedule an appointment online.  

After patients check in for their appointment, they will be able to get ready for the mammogram in a private changing room and then have the mammogram performed by compassionate technicians, Sechler said. The patient’s breasts will each be compressed twice for a couple photos by the machine, he said.  

Normally, the patient will have results within 24 hours, he said. If something of concern is found, the patient would need to return for more pictures. For those who need a biopsy, Dr. Sechler can do that at the TidalHealth Breast Center, as well.  

For patients closer to Seaford, mammograms are also offered at TidalHealth Medical Imaging on the TidalHealth Mears Campus.  

Prognosis 

A 2024-2025 American Cancer Society report states that the breast cancer death rate has decreased by 44 percent over the past 35 years – thanks in part to earlier detection. The five-year breast cancer survival rate for all stages of breast cancer is 91 percent, but for those who are diagnosed while the cancer is still localized, that rate is more than 99 percent, according to the same report.  

The TidalHealth Breast Center also offers genetic testing for people who may be at higher risk for breast cancer, Dr. Sechler said. Patients who arrive for mammograms fill out a screening questionnaire, and questions relating to family history determine whether a person is a good candidate for this.  

There is a breast cancer risk for men, but it’s far lower than for women. Dr. Sechler said both men and women should perform breast self-exams to feel for anything out-of-the-ordinary.  

“Early detection makes a big impact,” he said. “We’re trying to find things when we can only see it and not feel it.”