How often should a woman get a mammogram?

Question

I am only 22 years old. but I have only had 1 mammogram in my life and that was when I turned 18. How often should a woman get a mammogram? Am I too young to get one or should I be getting one done at least once a year? I am just curious that is all.

Answer 1

We don't do routine mammography on asymptomatic patients under the age of 35. Asymptomatic means you don't have any breast disease signs and symptoms....ie a lump. And actually, even if you have a breast lump at the age of 22, most doctor's will order an ultrasound first. Usually a mammogram is avoided.

Dense breast tissue (young breast tissue is always dense) looks white on the x-ray film. All signs of breast cancer, either masses or certain types of calcifications, also look white on film. You cannot see a white object in a white background. Dense breast tissue also requires a higher radiation dose, and we like to avoid exposing the breasts to unneccesary radiation (especially if the exam isn't likely to give any answers or diagnosis).

Baseline mammogram in asymptomatic women between age of 35-40.

Yearly or every other year mammograms for women 40-50.

Yearly mammograms after the age of 50.

You can view the recommendations here:

http://www.medicinenet.com/mammogram/article.htm

"The best tool for young women to find breast cancer early is to become familiar with their breasts: their shape, size, and what they feel like. Learn what is normal for you. Sometimes your breasts may change throughout your monthly cycle. If you are pregnant or nursing, your breasts will change even more dramatically. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor immediately and insist on a diagnosis. Also, beginning at age 20, have a yearly breast exam by a doctor. Start mammograms beginning at age 40."

AND:

"Because young women typically have dense breast tissue, a mammogram is not always the best diagnostic tool for them. For this reason, and because dense breasts also make it more difficult to feel a lump, it is crucial that women aged 20 and older become familiar with their breasts and learn how to spot any unusual changes."

http://www.youngsurvival.org/young-women-and-bc/bc-faqs/early-detection/

Answer 2

there is debate between some communities in the medical community, yet commonly docs propose the first or baseline mammogram be performed at 40 and then each 3 hundred and sixty 5 days or 2 years after, except there's a historic previous (mom, or sibling) that has had breast maximum cancers. Your health care service might want to be the perfect to point you in this. i'm getting them each year and am a breast maximum cancers survivor.

Answer 3

1 time a year

Answer 4

It used to be said that only women over 40 needed them but times are changing when you have your yearly PAP exam have the Dr do a breast exam and make sure that you do monthly self breast exams.
As for how often YOU should have a mamogram that depends on what your risk factor is
low is no breast cancer in the family
normal is breast cancer in mother grandmother or sister over the age of 50 I think it is.
High is breast cancer in mother, sister , grandmother under the age of 50.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

annually is best, but most women are older when they start. it's good to have one every 2-3 years at your age so they have a reference for when you get older. they'll know what's normal for you and can spot differences easily.