When to get a mammogram

A patient smiles while a doctor shows her something on a screen.

Routine mammograms, which are X-rays of the breast, may detect breast cancer early while it’s easier to treat.

Be proactive

Speak with your doctor about when and how often you should get a mammogram.1 The American Cancer Society recommends:

  • Women, ages 40 to 44 choose to begin annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms
  • Women, ages 45 to 54 get mammograms every year
  • Women, ages 55 and older switch to getting mammograms every 2 years, or continue yearly screening

Humana members may save money on mammograms. Please sign into your account, Link opens in new window to view the details of your plan coverage.

Humana members can visit an in-network doctor for advice on scheduling a mammogram.

Know your risk factors., Link opens in new window

Staying in good health may reduce your risk

While knowing your family history is important, many additional factors may influence your breast cancer risk. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in reducing your risk for the disease. Good health practices include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • Getting quality sleep each night
  • Limiting or eliminating alcoholic drinks from your diet
  • Keeping up with checkups and screenings

Sources

1. “Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis,” American Cancer Society, last accessed April 19, 2022, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html, opens new window.