Early Detection

Screening Guidelines

In alignment with the Society of Breast Imaging guidance, BSA Harrington Breast Center and High Plains Radiological Association advise waiting four to six weeks after receiving your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to schedule your regular screening mammogram. Due to a common vaccine side effect of swollen lymph nodes, it could affect the results of your mammogram. To optimally time your appointment, you can schedule through MyChart or call 806-212-1905.

Breast Screening Guidelines
(as recommended by the American College of Radiology)

Mammography:

  • Yearly beginning at age 40

 

Clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional:

  • Every three years from 20 to 39 years of age
  • Yearly beginning at age 40

 

Breast self-exam:

  • Beginning in their 20s, women should be aware of how their breasts normally feel and report changes to a health professional

 

Breast MRI:

  • Women at high risk for breast cancer should get a breast MRI and a mammogram yearly

 

Did you know?

  1. All women ages 40 and older are at risk for breast cancer;
  2. Breast cancer will affect one woman in eight at some point in her lifetime;
  3. Breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early enough;
  4. Mammography can detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt by a woman or her physician;
  5. Women need to follow screening guidelines for age and frequency for screening; and
  6. Mammography is a low-risk, quick, and painless procedure.