Since it’s a new year, it’s important to make plans for your next mammogram. Here are the recent guidelines from the American Cancer society:

• Women aged 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
• Women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
• Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.
• All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening.

Ultimately, consult with your physician to decide when to get a mammogram. There are many personal factors that may influence when to be screened, such as a family history of breast cancer. While there are potential risks involved with receiving radiation, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation states that the risks are subjective, while the benefits are objective–mammograms save lives!

To schedule a mammogram, The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides free mammograms through partner facilities via their National Mammography Program. Find a facility near you today.