Women, pat yourself on the back if you’ve already had an annual mammogram this year. If you haven’t had one yet, make an appointment today.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women have a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. Women with a higher risk for breast cancer may need to start being screened at a younger age or have mammograms more frequently. This includes women who have a personal or family history of breast cancer. Ask your doctor when and how often you should have a mammogram.

Test Your Mammogram IQ
There’s a lot to know about mammograms. Test your knowledge with a quiz. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Better Health for Life,” “Interactive Tools,” “Quizzes,” and then “Mammogram Quiz.”

Tips to Keep in Mind
On the day of your mammogram, you may have to skip a few steps in your morning routine. Don’t wear lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant. These can affect the clarity of your mammogram. And be sure to bring a doctor’s order and his or her contact information with you so that the facility can send out the results.