Should I get a mammogram at 18 years old, my grandmother had breast cancer, should i take action now?

Question

my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and my stepmother is only 48 years old and she has breast cancer. While i have researched that you should start getting mamograms when you are 40years old, i am wondering if i should go earlier? i know some girls my age (18) who have had breast cancer, and who get regular mamograms. what should i do??

Answer 1

Breast cancer is a common disease and your grandmother’s may or may not have been hereditary, but only a very small minority of breast cancer cases are– about 5 – 10%. Getting older is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer, around 80% of women who get it are over 50, and she may well have been one of the majority for whom it is a random thing.

Breast cancer that runs in families is thought to be caused by a faulty gene, which can increase your chances of getting breast cancer. You can be tested for this when you are older if your doctor thinks it’s necessary – usually if one of your parents carries it. However, having a faulty gene does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer.

Just remember – most cases of breast cancer aren’t hereditary. My oncologist was able to reassure me that mine wasn't. Try not to worry without cause.

Mammograms are not normally done on younger women because their breast tissue is too dense for a worthwhile result. Mammograms are not done on request and a doctor will not order one for someone your age unless you have found a lump, in which case you would also have a biopsy and a scan.

Answer 2

The average age for getting a mammograms is age 40. If you have a family history then you should have your first mammogram at the age of 35. There is a test you can have done to find out if you have the gene, it's a blood test. If you are that concerned you might want to talk to a doctor about this and then think hard about if that is right for you. I mean what will you do with the information if it comes out that you do have the gene. It's a hard choice to make, so think hard about it and go talk to a doctor. Good Luck

Answer 3

Well I would get familiar with your breasts, do a BSE (Breast Self Exam) once a month, not around the time of your period. I would also mention your concerns to your family doctor who, when doing your yearly exam, should also be checking your breasts for any masses or lumps. They may feel that in your circumstance with the history of breast cancer, that you should be screened with a mammogram sooner than when most women go around the age of 40-55 on their first one.

Answer 4

It won't hurt you to start getting them now. Just tell your doctor that you have a serious family history of breast cancer and are concerned about it. They may recommend that you get a mammogram every 2 years or so. But I like that you are worried about it now. Most women don't care until its too late.

Answer 5

Just make sure you get your yearly well women check up the doctor will check you then...it's usually not a mammogram and be sure to check yourself as well...you check now and feel whats normal then if you are checking regularly you'll feel if there is a strange lump or not...consult with your doctor about how you feel and they will let you know what's best. I'm sure! Good Luck...Breast Cancer runs in my Fam. too.

Answer 6

It is hard to do a mammogram on young women because the breast tissue is so firm. Do breast checks on your own to become familiar with how your breast feels. If something changes, you are more likely to notice. When ever you have a concern go see your doctor.

Answer 7

If not now, at least do self breast exams every month. I would start mamograms by the age of 25, and have one yearly.

Answer 8

Well Im not a doctor or even a female at that but you know what I just happened to read the question n thought it would be a good idea to put my 2 cents in. Yeah being that it runs in your family i dont find it a bad idea at all to get that done. I know people may say o you are worrying to much or whatever but f--- what they say. Its your health and it is better to be safe then sorry I say go ahead and get it done and even do it once a year or whatever is recomended.

Answer 9

You should be 21 to marry a 18 year old girl

Answer 10

yes go now...if you have not noticed people are now catching cancer at the early stages and you don't want to be caught out there. if there is a chance that breast cancer is running through your family be the first to set an example an stop it now... don't wait it might be to late