Women's Health Wednesday: Personalized Breast Cancer Screenings

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – NEWS10ABC has been devoting multiple segments to spreading important information during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many Capital Region health professionals along with the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology recommend women get annual screenings for breast cancer when they reach age 40. However, a woman should start getting mammograms even earlier, if there’s a family history of breast cancer. Health experts stress women should always have a conversation with their doctor to find out what is best for them.

It’s also important to note that some women should get mammograms *and ultrasounds annually, if they have dense breast tissue. Dr. Lynn Choi, director of the Albany Med Breast Care Center, says women who get their mammogram results here in New York are now notified if they have dense breast tissue. If that is the case, Dr. Choi says it’s crucial for women to speak up to make sure they are getting the complete screenings that are necessary for them.

Dr. Choi also shared that there has been a slight increase in the number of younger women getting breast cancer – before the recommended screening age. Given that information, Dr. Choi says it’s more important than ever that all women have either their primary care physician or their OB/GYN, do a breast exam annually. Dr. Choi shares a lot more valuable insight in today’s Women’s Health Wednesday interview.