Taking care of your breast health means staying on top of regular screenings. Mammograms remain the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early—when treatment is most likely to be successful. Here’s what you need to know: 

• When to Start: Beginning at age 40, women should have a baseline mammogram. From there, screening mammograms are recommended every 1–2 years. 

• Annual Screening: Women age 40+ who are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should have a mammogram every year to safely continue their prescriptions. 

• How Long to Continue: Screening should continue as long as you’re in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years. 

• Higher Risk Patients: If you have a BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation, received chest radiation before age 30, or have certain hereditary syndromes, your provider may recommend a more intensive schedule—sometimes alternating mammograms with breast MRIs every six months. Genetic testing is something that you can discuss with your provider if you have a strong family history of certain cancers.  

• Follow-Up After an Abnormal Result: If a mammogram shows something unusual, your provider may recommend additional imaging such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound. Sometimes the plan is a short-term follow-up in 6 months, while other times you’ll return to your regular annual schedule. 

At Telluride Regional Medical Center, we’ll review your records to see when your last mammogram was completed, and if nothing is on file, we’ll ask you directly to make sure you get the right care. 

Breast cancer screening saves lives. If you’re 40 or older—or have risk factors that mean you may need earlier or more frequent screening—talk with your provider today about the right plan for you. 

 Call us at (970) 728-3848 to schedule an appointment.