Breast Cancer

When to get mamogram?

07/03/2001 11:01AM

Question:

My mother and maternal grandmother both were diagnosed with breast cancer in their late fortys. I`m 28. When should I begin getting mamograms? Should I start early since there is such a strong family history of breast cancer? At what age does my risk increase?

Answer:

The American Cancer Society has recommended that screening mammography should begin by the age of 40, and then should be performed every year. The decision to screen women under the age of 40 is considered in relation to risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative have about twice the risk of breast cancer of women in the general population. Some physicians recommend the first mammogram about ten years earlier than the age of your mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In other words, if your mother developed breast cancer at the age of 45, you may want to begin your yearly mammograms at the age of 35. However, a woman`s breast tissue is much denser before the age of 40, making it more difficult to visualize a lump with a mammogram. I recommend that you find a breast cancer specialist in your area. Telephone for information about when your first visit to this physician should be. At that time, gather information about all your questions. You should be doing breast self exam every month about 7-10 days after your period ends. You are right about being concerned about breast cancer because of your family history. It is wise to visit a specialist early in your life. Thank you for your question.

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Response by:

Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD
Associate Professor, Emeritus
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati