Breast Health at Every Age
October 1, 2026
Categories: Breast Care
Tags: Breast Health, Breast Cancer, Mammogram, Breast Exam, Breast Imaging, Breast Surgery, Breast Ultrasound
Mammograms, Breast Self-Awareness and Everyday Habits That Matter
Breast health looks different at 35 than it does at 55, but one thing remains the same: paying attention to your breasts and preventative screenings can protect your breast health and lower your risk of breast cancer.
Breast health isn't a single appointment. It's regular screening, knowing what's normal for your body, understanding your personal risk and everyday habits that add up over time.
“Life has become incredibly complicated balancing many important things at the same time," said Witham Breast Surgeon, R. Thomas Schmidt, M.D. "Setting time aside for a annual mammogram is an essential priority.”
Start with the Mammogram
Put simply, a mammogram is an X-ray of your breast. It remains the single most effective tool for catching breast cancer early. Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before you feel a lump. Experts recommend that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk get a mammogram every two years. However, your doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your personal and family history.
When Is More Testing Needed?
You may need further testing, such as an abbreviated MRI, if you have dense breasts. That means you have larger amounts of fibrous and glandular tissue than women with less dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can make it harder to spot a tumor with a standard mammogram. Women with dense breasts have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, so your doctor may recommend additional imaging as a result.
Two follow-up options your provider might discuss are:
- Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at areas of concern inside the breast.
- Breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images and is typically reserved for women at higher-than-average risk.
If testing finds something unusual, your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy to gather a small tissue sample and check for cancer cells.
Self-Exam vs. Self-Awareness: What Should You Actually Be Doing?
Many of us grew up hearing that a monthly self-exam was essential. However, that guidance has changed over the years.
The American Cancer Society no longer recommends routine self-exams as a screening tool for women at average risk. Instead, the organization now stresses breast self-awareness that focuses on being familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you notice if something changes.
What hasn’t changed? If you feel a new lump, see skin dimpling or notice nipple discharge, tell your doctor immediately.
“The vast majority of women with breast cancer have no risk factors," said Dr. Schmidt. "Mammography is the most effective way to optimize the early detection of breast cancer.”
Know Your Risk
Age and being female are the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer, but family history matters too.
Your risk increases if you have:
- A first-degree relative with breast cancer
- Dense breasts
- A known genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
Talk with your doctor or a breast specialist about whether you should begin screening earlier or add breast MRI to your routine.
Everyday Habits That Support Breast Health
You can't control your genetics or your age, but you can control your lifestyle choices.
These tips from the American Cancer Society can help lower your breast cancer risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Stay physically active, with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
- Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption
“Prioritizing self-care by optimizing diet and exercise will reduce the risk of breast cancer," said Dr. Schmidt. "These lifestyle factors will also reduce cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.”
Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
Whether you're due for a routine mammogram or need answers after a concerning result, Witham's Breast Care team offers advanced testing with fast, accurate results. If your diagnosis leads to treatment, our surgical breast oncology team builds an individualized plan using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques. And we’ll be here to guide you through every step.
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Hear What Our Expert Has to Say
R. Thomas Schmidt, MD, Indiana's first surgical breast oncologist, brings unmatched expertise to breast cancer care in our community. Get to know him and hear his insights below.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Screening for Breast Cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Mammograms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Dense Breasts
American Cancer Society, ACS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention