Your Breast Health, Your Way: Creating a Personalized Plan for 2026
As December arrives and we start reflecting on the past year while looking ahead, it’s natural to think about fresh starts and new commitments. Maybe you’re already making that list—eat better, move more, finally organize the clutter. But as you plan your goals for 2026, consider adding one that can truly shape your future: prioritizing your breast health.
Your breast health journey is as unique as you are. What works for your sister, your best friend, or your coworker might not be right for you. That’s why understanding your individual risk factors matters—because you deserve a plan that fits your life and your body.
What Makes Your Risk Profile Unique?
When it comes to breast cancer screening, several factors come together to form your personal risk profile, like pieces of a puzzle that tell your individual story. According to the American College of Radiology, screening recommendations should be based on multiple considerations including age, breast density, family history, and genetic factors.
Your family health history plays a key role. If close relatives—particularly in your immediate family—have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, your risk may be higher. The age at the time of diagnosis and whether multiple family members were affected are important details. These aren’t just statistics; they’re part of your family’s story, and they matter.
Your own medical background also shapes your screening plan. Previous breast biopsies, certain benign conditions, and your reproductive history all contribute to your risk assessment. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, activity level, and body weight can also influence breast health over time. It’s not about judgment—it’s about understanding the full picture.
For some women, genetic counseling may be valuable. The Society of Breast Imaging notes that women with certain family history patterns or specific ethnic backgrounds may benefit from genetic testing to identify inherited mutations that significantly increase cancer risk. If testing reveals a mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2, your screening plan may include additional imaging like MRI alongside mammography. Knowledge is power, and it can lead to proactive care you might not have realized was available.
Understanding Your Imaging Needs
One factor many women don’t think about until it’s mentioned in a letter after a mammogram is breast density. Dense tissue can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram and is itself an independent risk factor. At CRL Women’s Imaging, we assess breast density with every mammogram and discuss what it means for your screening strategy. You should never have to decode complex medical terms alone.
Your previous imaging results also guide your future care. Changes over time, the presence of certain benign findings, and the characteristics of your breast tissue help determine what’s next. Think of your breast health as having its own timeline—and we’re here to help you understand what that timeline means for you.
“What matters most to me is that women feel empowered when they leave our clinic, not overwhelmed,” says Dr. Jillian Karow, Medical Director of CRL Women’s Imaging. “We use the best technology available and follow the highest standards, but at the end of the day, it’s about helping each woman feel confident in protecting her health.”
Creating Your 2026 Breast Health Plan
A personalized approach starts with an open conversation with your healthcare provider. Come prepared to discuss:
- Your family health history, including any cancers on both sides of your family
- Your own medical history, including any breast concerns or biopsies
- Whether you might benefit from genetic counseling
- Lifestyle choices that could impact breast health
- Questions about your breast density and screening options
Together, you and your provider can develop a screening schedule and plan that fits your unique risk profile. Some women may begin annual mammograms at age 40, while others with higher risk factors may start earlier or include supplemental imaging such as ultrasound or MRI.
At CRL Women’s Imaging, we’re committed to this individualized approach. Our breast imaging specialists work closely with your care team to ensure you receive screening that’s both appropriate and clear. We believe in transparent communication—no complicated medical jargon, just information you can use with confidence.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Taking charge of your breast health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to make sweeping changes or become an expert overnight. Start with one conversation. Schedule one appointment. Ask one question. Each step you take is an investment in your future self—and in all the moments you want to be present for.
Over the past year, we’ve explored many aspects of breast health—from why mammograms remain the gold standard, to how summer self-care can include screening, to moving beyond pink ribbons into real action. As we head into a new year, we’ll continue supporting you with trusted information and compassionate care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
This December, give yourself the gift of a personalized breast health plan. Not because it’s a resolution, but because you deserve to feel confident and informed about your health.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and screening needs. If you’re due for imaging or want to review your personalized plan, contact CRL Women’s Imaging.
Our caring team of board-certified breast imaging specialists and certified technologists make the process as comfortable and convenient as possible. Don’t forget about our “Bring A Friend” mammogram appointments—because supporting each other makes taking charge of your health even more meaningful.
About CRL Women’s Imaging
CRL Women’s Imaging is a leader in outpatient imaging and designated a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Our team of board-certified breast imagers and certified technologists in mammography and ultrasound are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care that women can trust.