The Gift of Health: Why You Should Schedule Your Mammogram Before Year-End

As the year winds down and life gets busy with holiday planning, it’s easy to push your screenings to next year. But when it comes to breast health, waiting can mean missing an opportunity for early detection.

At Invision Sally Jobe, we specialize in outpatient mammography in a comfortable, convenient setting, so scheduling now means you’re ready for the year ahead!

What is a mammogram, and what is it good for?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast specifically designed for screening healthy women or evaluating changes in breast tissue. It’s the standard tool for detecting early breast cancers — sometimes before any symptoms show — and helps reduce breast-cancer deaths. 

About one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime — and early detection gives you the best chance for effective treatment.

When you come to us for breast imaging, you get the advantage of the latest technology. We offer advanced digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis, both of which improve the clarity of breast images and help radiologists identify subtle changes more easily. 

Early detection through mammography gives you more treatment options and better outcomes.

Which type of mammogram do you need?

Different imaging options are available depending on your age, breast density, history, and risk profile. At Invision Sally Jobe, we guide you on which type makes sense for you. Options include:

• Standard digital mammogram — the typical screening tool for most women
• 3D tomosynthesis mammogram — takes multiple slices of breast tissue to create a layered view, helpful for women with dense breasts
• Diagnostic mammogram — for women who have symptoms (e.g., lump, nipple discharge) or abnormal screening results
• Outpatient imaging setting — offering comfort, speed, and accessibility outside a hospital environment

Choosing the correct type matters because personal factors such as breast density, prior biopsies, and family history can influence which imaging modality is most effective.

What risk factors influence the timeline for mammography?

You may have heard the general guideline that women begin screening around age 40-50, but your individual risk profile can shift that timeline. Some key risk factors include:

Age and sex

Being born female and aging are the biggest risk factors. Most breast cancers are found in women over age 50.

Family history and genetics

A first-degree relative (e.g., mother, sister) with breast cancer or a gene mutation (BRCA1/2) increases your risk.

Breast density

Dense breast tissue not only raises risk, but can also make abnormalities harder to detect on mammograms.

Lifestyle and reproductive factors 

Early periods, late menopause, having your first child later in life, excess alcohol use, obesity, and lack of physical activity all contribute. 

Because these factors vary widely among individuals, scheduling a screening before year-end gives you a baseline and ensures you’re covered for 2025, especially if your risk is higher than average.

Five strong reasons to act now

Here are the compelling benefits of getting your mammogram this year:

• You complete your screening for the year, freeing your calendar
• Early detection offers better treatment outcomes and survival rates (for localized breast cancer, the five-year relative survival rate is nearly 100%)
• If you have dense breasts or a prior history, you eliminate unnecessary delays in follow-up imaging
• Outpatient setting means faster scheduling, less stress, and more comfort compared with hospital-based imaging
• You start the new year with clarity, not postponed assessments

And, you get the peace of mind to focus on your health and priorities.

Why choose us for your mammogram?

At our Denver-area outpatient imaging facility, we combine leading-edge technology with a patient-first experience. You encounter:

• Quick scheduling and prompt service
• Comfortable, private imaging rooms
• Radiologists experienced in breast-imaging interpretation
• A full suite of screening and diagnostic mammography options

 Envision Sally Jobe is known for compassionate service, specialized care, and a truly personalized experience — your breast screening should reflect that. From our accredited imaging centers to our skilled technologists and radiologists, we design every part of your visit with your comfort and confidence in mind.

Don’t let another year slip by without your screening. If you’re due for a mammogram, you can now self-schedule your screening appointment right on our website — choosing the date, location, and time that work best for you.

We have locations in Aurora, Greenwood Village, Golden, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, and Denver, Colorado. Get it done now so you head into the new year with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.