Mammograms are a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer. They help in identifying abnormalities in breast tissue even before they can be felt. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that women of average risk begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only a little over 66% of women in that age group have reported having a mammogram in recent years.

There are various reasons why you may feel the need to delay or postpone a mammogram, including:

• Concerns about discomfort
• Cost
• Busy schedules
• Lack of family history of breast cancer
• Feeling too young

However, it's important to emphasize that regardless of risk factors, undergoing an annual mammogram is a crucial preventive measure aimed at detecting any suspicious lumps or masses early. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and better health outcomes.
 
A baseline mammogram serves as a reference point for future mammograms, aiding in the detection of any changes in breast tissue over time. Let’s delve deeper into what baseline mammograms are and why they are important.

What is a Baseline Mammogram?
A baseline mammogram is the first mammogram a woman undergoes, typically around the age of 40, although this may vary based on individual risk factors and medical guidelines. Think of it as a template, of sorts, that all future mammograms will be compared to. That’s why it’s called a “baseline” mammogram — by establishing a baseline, radiologists can better detect changes in breast tissue that may occur over time.

Good vocabulary to know:

• Baseline mammogram – Your very first mammogram.
• Screening mammogram – A mammogram that is done, usually yearly, when all prior mammograms have come back normal and there are no concerns by the patient or suspicious findings after a breast exam.
• Diagnostic mammogram – A mammogram that is done when there's a specific concern about the breast. Maybe you felt a lump during a self-exam, your doctor noticed something during a regular check-up, or images from a baseline or screening mammogram came back needing further inspection.

When Should You Get a Baseline Mammogram?
The age at which women should undergo their first mammogram has been a subject of debate and may vary depending on individual risk factors and medical guidelines. However, many health care organizations recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may be advised to begin screening earlier.

These risks include:

• Family History: If you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who was diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a younger age, your risk of developing breast cancer may be higher. In such cases, your doctor might suggest starting mammograms earlier, typically around 10 years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed.

• Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. If you test positive for these mutations or have a strong family history of these mutations, your doctor provider may recommend earlier and more frequent screenings, often beginning in your 20s or 30s.

• Personal History of Breast Cancer or Precancerous Conditions: If you've previously been diagnosed with breast cancer or had certain precancerous conditions like ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

• Radiation Exposure: If you've received radiation therapy to the chest area as part of previous cancer treatment (such as Hodgkin's lymphoma) at a young age, your risk of developing breast cancer may be increased.

• Other Risk Factors: Other factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer include having dense breast tissue, certain hormone replacement therapies, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), not having children or having your first child after age 30, and lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. While these factors alone may not necessitate earlier mammograms, they may contribute to an overall assessment of breast cancer risk.

Importance of Baseline Mammograms
Getting a baseline mammogram is important for several reasons. It provides valuable information about your breast tissue and enables health care providers to monitor changes over time, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes in the fight against breast cancer.
 
A baseline mammogram helps to establish a starting point. By establishing what is normal for your breast tissue at a particular age, subsequent mammograms can be compared to detect any changes or abnormalities. This comparison helps your doctor differentiate between benign changes and potential signs of breast cancer, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Early detection often means more treatment options and better outcomes.
 
Establishing a baseline, along with identifying any additional risk factors, helps create a fingerprint of sorts that is specific to you and you only. Your doctors can then tailor screening recommendations based on your individual risk factors, breast density and other considerations based on individual risk factors, breast density, and other considerations. This is especially helpful if you miss an annual mammogram or go years between screenings. While not ideal, that baseline mammogram can give your doctor a good idea of any changes that may have occurred during the time between mammograms.
 
Lastly, getting your baseline mammogram can help provide you some peace of mind, even if it may feel a bit daunting or scary, at first. It's a proactive step towards maintaining breast health and staying informed about any potential issues. Knowing that you've taken the first step in breast cancer screening can alleviate anxiety and empower you to prioritize your health.

To schedule a mammogram at a Texas Health breast center, visit TexasHealth.org/BreastCare.