SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM To schedule a mammogram at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, call 410-225-8000. WHEN SHOULD WOMEN HAVE MAMMOGRAMS? The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women get yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Early detection of breast cancer is the best way to protect your breasts and stay healthy. Talk to your primary care provider about your before any symptoms appear. But mammograms don't spot every problem. Talk to your doctor if you notice: ■ Breast swelling ■ Skin irritation or dimpling ■ Pain in the breast or nipple ■ A nipple turning inward ■ Red, scaly or thick skin on the breast or nipple ■ Discharge (other than breast milk) "When you find a disease earlier and treat it earlier, outcomes are improved," Dr. Skrenta says. personal risk for breast cancer based on your medical history. You should also ask your doctor about: ■ Your risk of breast cancer based on your family history ■ The benefits, risks and limitations of mammograms ■ The role of breast self-exams in helping you become more familiar with your breasts, which may help you identify abnormalities or changes ARE YOUR BREASTS DENSE? Once you've had a mammogram, you'll know if your breasts are dense-Maryland and 26 other states have passed laws that require facilities to send letters informing women if they have dense breasts. Here's what you can do to lower your risk: ■ Follow a healthy diet. ■ Don't smoke. ■ Stay active. ■ Have regular checkups with your primary care doctor. umm.edu/midtown | Fall 2016 19http://www.umm.edu/midtown