Preventative care helps maintain a woman's health. That's why doctors stress the importance of yearly mammograms, which look for abnormalities in breast tissue. These procedures are an effective method for diagnosing cancer and reducing deaths related to this common illness. Here's why you should stay up-to-date with screenings and exams.

3 Reasons to Schedule Yearly Mammograms With Your Doctor

1. Certain Factors Can Cause Breast Cancer to Develop

While breast cancer can affect any woman, some have a higher risk profile than others. For instance, the chances increase if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer in a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister. Previous bouts of cancer also increase your risk, as does early menstruation, late menopause, and certain genetic mutations.

2. Chances Increase With Age

Regardless of your risks, yearly exams are encouraged for all women of a certain age. That's because the chance of developing breast cancer grows as you become older. 

Therefore, most doctors recommend that patients begin scheduling annual screenings at 40 years old when other risk factors aren't present. Additionally, breast cancer in women aged 40 through 50 tends to be more aggressive, highlighting the importance of early detection. 

3. Early Detection Makes Treatment Easier

While family history can indicate the chances of developing breast cancer, most women diagnosed with the disease don't have the usual risk factors. Also, consider the benefits that an early diagnosis affords. This disease is treatable when caught in the earliest stages, and it's not possible to detect all abnormalities using breast self-exams alone. 

If you need to schedule important preventative screenings, turn to Familyfirst Family Medical Practice in Lancaster, CA, for kind, compassionate, and comprehensive care. These doctors begin by assessing your risk profile, allowing them to develop a schedule suited to your exact needs. They also provide other essential women's health services, including pap smears, birth control consultations, and osteoporosis screenings. Visit them online to learn how they can help you remain healthy, and call (661) 341-3800 to schedule an appointment today.