I am 50.yr old lady and never had a mammogram before do I really need to get one?

Hello. Thank you for writing.

Yes. Annual mammograms can detect cancer early — when it is most treatable. In fact, mammograms show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Mammograms can also prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and improve chances of breast conservation.

Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so.
Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.

Helena