Should I Get a Mammogram Before I’m 40?
For most women, the recommended age at which you should begin having annual mammograms is 40. However, there are many circumstances under which a woman would want or need to start having mammograms sooner. There is no danger in having an early mammogram; for some women, it can be a lifesaver.
Family History
Women who have a family history of breast cancer should consider getting early mammograms. If your mother, grandmother, aunt, or sisters have had breast cancer, you should discuss it with your doctor and determine when the appropriate time to begin cancer screenings is. It may depend on the age at which your relative was diagnosed and what type of breast cancer they had.
BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 Gene
A small number of women discover with genetic testing that they have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. People with one of these mutated genes are at an extremely high risk of getting breast cancer. This gene mutation can be passed down to your children as well, which means you may have inherited it from a family member. If your family member was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, it’s possible they have the mutated gene. You should talk to your doctor about genetic testing and early mammograms.
A Lump in Your Breast
No matter your age, if you discover a lump in your breast during a monthly self-exam or any other time, you should consider getting a mammogram. Early detection and treatment are the key to surviving breast cancer. Never hesitate to talk to your physician or simply call us and make an appointment if you are concerned.
Having regular 3D mammograms performed by an experienced board-certified breast imaging specialist is the best way to detect abnormalities early. If you do require annual mammograms, we invite you to visit PURE Mammography on Long Island today. There is no appointment necessary; you can simply stop in at your convenience. You can also call 631-652-3424 or fill out the form on this page to learn more about PURE or to pre-schedule an appointment.