Breast Cancer Screening, When Should I Start?

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer throughout their lifetime. With that said, only 5-10% can be linked to the BRCA1 or BCRA2 gene mutation from your mother or father. (Breastcancer.org.)

Self Breast Exams

Getting to know your breasts as early as 20 is suggested, especially for those with a family history of breast cancer. This is a great way to notice any lumps, thickenings, or breast changes. Doing a self-exam once a month on the same day post your menstrual cycle. Performing the self-breast exam after your cycle is best so your breasts are less likely to be swollen, tender, or lumpy.

To learn more about performing and tracking your own self-breast exams download the Know Your Lemons App.

Medical Breast Exams | Mammograms

The Following Information is from the American Cancer Society

These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

●     Women between 40 and 44 can start screening with a mammogram every year.

●     Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

●     Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

Women who are at high risk should start getting screenings as early as 30 on an annual basis.

Talk with your provider about the best screening options for you!