Rachel Brem, MD, Director of the GW Breast Imaging and Intervention Center, recommends that women continue to have mammograms beginning at age 40, regardless of family history, to optimize their chances for early detection and treatment. Dr. Brem recommends that women follow the American Cancer Society guidelines* for early cancer detection.
If you have an appointment scheduled at the GW Breast Imaging Center, please keep your appointment and take the time to discuss any concerns you have with your physician. To make an appointment for an annual mammogram, please call (202) 741-3003.
*American Cancer Society Guidelines for Early Cancer Detection
- Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
- Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women age 40 and over.
- Women should know how their breasts normally feel and promptly report any breast change to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
- Women at high risk (greater than 20 percent lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15 to 20 percent lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15 percent.
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