Navigating Breast Health: Why a Personalized Screening Plan Is Needed
10/2/2026
With varying news reports about breast cancer screening, many women are left wondering: When should I actually start? Laredo Medical Center is encouraging women to work with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized roadmap for breast health.
The consensus among breast imaging providers at Laredo Medical Center remains clear: early detection is the single most effective tool for survival. However, the screening schedule isn't always the same for everyone.
“We are encouraging women to start a direct conversation with their healthcare provider,” says Dr. Parul Mamgain, a member of the medical staff at Laredo Medical Center and a board-certified family medicine physician at Primary Care Associates of Laredo. “Breast health is not one-size-fits-all. Your age, family history, and personal risk factors create a unique profile that determines when and how often you should be screened.”
For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. But women at higher risk — including those with a family history of breast cancer, African American women, and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent — should prioritize a risk assessment as early as age 25.
“Waiting for a standard age benchmark can be a missed opportunity for those who need a more proactive plan,” Dr. Mamgain adds. “Our goal is to help patients build a custom roadmap for their health, not just check a box once a year.”
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S. In 2023 (the latest available data), 20,510 new cases were reported in Texas alone.
According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments like surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy) and chemotherapy, and are more likely to be cured.
Laredo Medical Center is investing in resources to support women and their breast health, including 3D imaging, designed for higher diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort. Laredo Medical Center Women’s Imaging provides two specialized centers at LMC North and LMC South that offer an array of services, including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound and stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
Scheduling your appointment is easy, as the hospital offers the option for online via a secure portal at https://www.laredomedical.com/womens-imaging-services or call 956-796-2501.
Women are encouraged to meet with their healthcare provider to review family history and determine a personalized screening schedule. To find a primary care provider, visit https://rebrand.ly/zw5rqkf to schedule an appointment or call 956-796-4990.
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