Navigating Breast Health

9/18/2026

Early detection and understanding when to get screened

By Paula Delgado M.D.
MountainView Medical Group

Many women wonder: When should I start breast cancer screening?

Early detection is the single most effective tool for survival. However, the screening schedule isn't the same for everyone. 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. Our goal is to help patients build a custom roadmap for their health, not just check a box once a year.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. It is the leading cause of cancer death for non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Signs of breast cancer can show up in different ways. The World Health Organization states that symptoms may include:

• A new lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast, which may or may not be painful
• A noticeable change in the breast’s size, shape or overall appearance
• Abnormal changes to the nipple or skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
• Unusual nipple discharge, including bloody fluid
• Skin changes, such as redness, pitting, or dimpling

Being aware of these symptoms and getting screened regularly are key to early detection and life-saving care. 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.

Women are encouraged to meet with their physician to review family history and determine a personalized screening schedule.

For information on women’s imaging services, visit MountainViewRegional.com/Womens-Imaging.

Paula Delgado, M.D., is an OB/GYN at MountainView Medical Group. To schedule an appointment call (575) 522-4767. Dr. Delgado is employed by Las Cruces Physician Services, LLC, d/b/a MountainView Medical Group.

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