When Should I Start Having Routine Mammograms? 

Early detection of any cancer gives you the best shot at beating it, so it’s easy to understand that breast cancer screening saves lives. The question is: When should you start getting mammograms? 

At Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal provide comprehensive women’s health care, including routine breast exams and guidance on when mammograms are right for you.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to talk about how mammograms fit into your preventive care plan. The right schedule can help catch problems early, when they’re most treatable.

Understanding mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts that can sometimes detect cancer before it causes symptoms. While self-exams and clinical exams are helpful, mammograms remain the gold standard for early detection, especially for women over 40 or those with risk factors.

General screening recommendations

There isn’t one single guideline that applies to every woman. Most experts agree on the following:

• Ages 40-44: Women have the option to begin annual mammograms
• Ages 45-54: Annual mammograms are recommended
• Ages 55 and up: Women may switch to screening every two years or continue annually

These guidelines are for women at average risk. For higher-risk women, screening may need to start earlier.

What raises breast cancer risk?

Risk factors help us tailor mammogram recommendations. Some are unavoidable, while others are linked to lifestyle. Common risk factors include:

• A family history of breast cancer, especially in a mother, sister, or daughter
• Carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
• Starting menstruation before age 12 or reaching menopause after age 55
• Having dense breast tissue, which makes tumors harder to detect
• A personal history of breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions
• Lifestyle factors like alcohol use, obesity, and inactivity

Because these risks vary, we individualize screening schedules to your unique needs.

Why screening matters

It’s easiest to treat breast cancer when we catch it early. Mammograms can detect cancers years before they cause symptoms, improving survival rates and expanding treatment options. Skipping or delaying screenings increases the risk of a late-stage diagnosis.

How we guide you at Rios Healthcare Associates

We believe women deserve clarity about their breast health. During your annual women’s health exam, we discuss your personal risk factors and family history, perform a clinical breast exam, and help you decide the right time to begin mammogram screening. 

If you have several risk factors, we may recommend genetic testing, breast MRI, or starting mammograms earlier than the standard guidelines.

Take the next step

If you’re putting off a mammogram, let this Breast Cancer Awareness Month be your reminder to act. We’re here to answer your questions, evaluate your risks, and make personalized recommendations for breast cancer screening.

Call Rios Healthcare Associates today or request an appointment online to schedule your women’s health exam. Together, we can protect your health with the power of prevention.