when should i recieve a mammogram?

Question

my mother got cervical cancer when she was 25 and then got it again at 35. She had a hysterectomy and it has never came back. My grandmother is now dying from cancer at 59. But my question is with cancer in my immediate family when is the soonest i should get a mammogram done?

Answer 1

Are you getting regular pap smears? They would be the one to get regarding cervical cancer.

I don't know your age, but whatever it may be, ask your doctor about when to get both a mammogram and a pap smear.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom and grandma - but you get tested soon and often - try to beat any chance of these cancers occurring.

Answer 2

You need to see your doctor and tell him your history, ask him if you can have a mammogram and be tested for the cervical cancer gene. This is important and if you ever change doctors you will need to tell your history again. Unfortunately most women over 50 have no problems to get a mammogram, however breast cancer is even prevalent on women over 25.
I had a hysterectomy when I was 26, because of cervical cancer.
Because of my family history I get checked once a year for breast cancer and colon cancer. Better be safe, than sorry.

Answer 3

At a young age (you don't state your age, but I am assuming you are young...if I am wrong, I apologize!), mammography is not going to be a good imaging tool for you. Dense breasts are very difficult to image with a mammogram. Young breasts are dense. Dense breasts appear white on the film. Things that would show up on a mammogram which would indicate cancer (masses or microcalcifications) also appear white on the film. Your best way of finding an early breast cancer, at a young age, is religious monthly self breast exam and clinical breast examinations by qualified medical personal. Also, the denser the breast, the more radiation is needed to penetrate the tissue. Therefore, your risk from the higher dose of radiation, usually does not justify an exam which probably will not give you reliable readings.

"The breasts of young women contain many glands and ligaments, which appear dense on a mammogram. This radiologic density makes it more difficult to spot tumors, or to tell cancerous conditions. With age, the glandular and fibrous tissues of the breast gradually give way to fatty tissue. Because fatty tissue has less radiologic density, mammograms can more easily see into the breast tissue and detect abnormal changes. Although mammograms are not generally recommended as part of regular screening for women under age 40, women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (such as breast ultrasound and MRI), or having more frequent exams."

http://www.womenswallstreet.com/giving_b...

"In general, regular mammograms are not recommended for women under 40 years old, in part, because breast tissue tends to be more dense in young women, making mammograms less effective as a screening tool. In addition, most experts believe the low risk of developing breast cancer at a young age does not justify the radiation exposure or the cost of mammography. However, screening mammograms may be recommended for younger women with a family history of breast cancer and other risk factors."

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_cancer...

The recommendations are a baseline mammogram between the age of 35-40, with yearly (or even every other year) mammographic screening between the ages of 40-50. After 50, they recommend you get annual screening mammograms.

Answer 4

Usually 40 but if you have cancer that runs in the family, you might want to ask your doctor if you should get it sooner. And make sure you get your pap tests regularly

Answer 5

You should get one once you turn 18 at least. but if you have history of it you should get it done soon. if it runs in the family you need to let your doctor know so they can check you out. Just to be on the safe side.

Answer 6

IF BREAST CANCER RUNS IN UR FAMILY AROUND 18 OR 19 IF NOT ATLEAST BY 21

Answer 7

you should discuss with your doctor, you didnot metnion breast cancer in family, then earliest age would be around 40 or if you feel abnormal lumps, good luck