Mammogram Screening for Breast Cancer Survivors
- Michael R. Forrest, M.D.
Question
How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer.
Answer
After diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, national guidelines recommend annual mammography. Also, MD exams are recommended every six months for five years, then annually.
If you have been taking endocrine therapy for five years, you should be tested for osteoporosis.
If you have daughters, I recommend a careful assessment of their breast cancer risk to determine when to start breast cancer screening, and how to determine the best screening method.
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