When is the right time to start including mammograms with your annual exam?
December 10, 2025
When is the right time to start including mammograms with your annual exam?
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in the United States, accounting for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. The good news is that breast cancer is treatable, and early diagnosis is the key to the most optimal patient outcomes. Central Clinic for Women is operated by an all-woman team of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to providing the highest quality care for women of all ages. We also proudly offer state-of-the-art 3D Screening mammography, which yields significantly more diagnostic information than traditional mammograms. But when’s the right age to begin scheduling annual mammograms?
We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health Campus and provide a full range of gynecology services and obstetric care for women. Our services include maternity care, annual women’s health check-ups, gynecology wellness checks, annual pap smears, family planning, menopause treatment, and cervical cancer screening. We’re always a phone call away when you’re ready to schedule your annual women’s health exam or if you have any questions about women’s health.
We recommend that women aged 35 and up start scheduling mammograms as part of their annual exams, or earlier if they present with a family history of cancer or other risk factors. Clinical studies
have shown that combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram yields more accurate diagnoses than a standard mammogram alone. 3D mammography involves taking multiple images, or X-rays, of breast tissue to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast, enabling our diagnosticians to see beyond areas of density and detect cancers that might otherwise be missed. The process takes slightly longer than a traditional mammogram, but combining both exams typically obviates the need for follow-up imaging.
Be sure to also perform a monthly Breast Self-Exam(BSE) at home and contact us for immediate follow-up if you feel any thickening or lumps in your breast tissues or notice any unusual discharge. The best time to perform your BSE is approximately 7-10 days after each period, or on the first of the month (or any date each month that you can easily remember) if you’re no longer menstruating.
Contact us online
or dial (501) 227-5885
to schedule your mammogram or to learn more about our women's clinic Little Rock.
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As you approach menopause, you’ve probably already heard a lifetime of horror stories from friends and older relatives about what to expect. The experience certainly has no shortage of ups and downs, but they all survived, and so will you! The good news is that you won’t have to go through “the change” on your own, and our dedicated all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ease your menopause journey! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock, and our services include annual women’s health and cervical cancer screenings, 3D mammograms, bone health assessments, and other tests and procedures as needed. We recognize that each woman's experience is unique, and we provide individualized care to address your specific needs and concerns so you can navigate menopause with confidence. Here are a few frequently asked questions about menopause, and we’re a phone call away if you’d like to learn more or schedule your annual well-woman exam. When does menopause begin? Menopause begins for most women when they reach their early 50s, but some women might start experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? Many women start experiencing a host of unpleasant symptoms once they reach middle age, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods; You might also experience mood swings or struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Menopause affects all women differently, and it’s important to discuss any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms with your doctor right away. What can I do on my own to manage my symptoms? One of the most important things you can do to manage menopause symptoms is to eat right and get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week. And if you smoke, quit now! It should also come as no surprise that stress can adversely affect your health, so do your best to identify the natural stressors in your life and plan accordingly. There’s also no shame in talking to a behavioral therapist or other mental health professional if you need further assistance to cope with extreme stress, anxiety, or depression! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
