Your Mammogram Matters: What to Know About Screening and Peace of Mind
Each October, National Mammography Day serves as an important reminder for women everywhere to schedule their annual screenings. Observed on the third Friday of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it highlights the power of early detection and the life-saving impact of consistent breast health care.
For many people, scheduling a mammogram brings up a mix of emotions — anxiety, curiosity, relief, and sometimes fear. But mammograms remain one of the most important tools available for early detection, helping identify breast cancer before it can be felt and when it’s most treatable.
As both a breast cancer surgeon and a patient, Dr. Anne Peled understands what it feels like to wait for results and how powerful early screening can be. Over the years, she has shared her experiences publicly — from speaking with Good Morning America and Newsweek to ABC7 News San Francisco — all with one shared message: early detection saves lives.
Why the New Mammogram Guidelines Matter
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its breast cancer screening recommendations to start mammograms at age 40 and continue every two years thereafter.
This shift reflects the growing number of breast cancer cases in women under 50 — a trend that has steadily increased since the 1990s. Starting screening earlier helps identify cancers sooner, improving survival rates and treatment options.
For those who want to understand the reasoning behind these updates, read Dr. Peled’s full post on the topic:
👉 Task Force Advises Starting Mammograms at 40
What to Expect During Your Mammogram
If it’s your first time, know this: mammograms are quick and gentle, typically lasting less than 20 minutes. The breast is briefly compressed between two plates to capture high-resolution images — an essential step for spotting even the smallest changes.
Discomfort varies from person to person, but it should never be painful. If there is nervousness or tenderness, patients are encouraged to communicate with their technologist. Their role is to ensure every individual feels supported and informed throughout the process.
Dr. Peled has shared more about the experience on her Instagram:
📸 “Getting a mammogram for the first time can be scary, especially with not knowing what to expect …”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-ZHQ57RoY9/
And in another post, she reflected on her own recent screening:
📸 “I went in for my annual mammogram recently and they found what I actually thought was going to be a recurrence …”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKAiB-JBzRn/
Dense Breasts and Supplemental Screening
About half of women have dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram. For those with dense breasts, providers may recommend additional screening methods — such as breast ultrasound or MRI — for more comprehensive imaging.
In March 2023, the FDA updated its mammography regulations, requiring all facilities to inform patients about breast density and advise next steps for additional screening when appropriate. This is an important step toward greater transparency and individualized care.
The Emotional Side of Screening
For many patients, mammograms are more than a medical appointment. They’re a moment of reflection, gratitude, and sometimes fear. It’s natural to worry — especially for those who have faced breast cancer before or have loved ones who have.
As Dr. Peled has shared publicly, “I treat women for breast cancer, but I never imagined I would be one of them.” That experience deepened her belief in the value of screening — and the courage it takes to show up for it.
Each mammogram is an act of self-care and strength. It’s how patients take back control in a process that can often feel uncertain.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Whether it’s a first mammogram or a tenth, it’s important not to delay screening. Patients should speak with their care team about the right timing and frequency, particularly if they have higher risk factors such as family history, genetic mutations, or dense tissue.
And if fear is holding someone back, it’s worth remembering that thousands of women share this journey — and every screening is a meaningful step toward peace of mind, early detection, and a healthier future.
Further Reading