Breast cancer awareness is crucial for women of all ages. As such, patients often wonder: What age should I get a breast cancer exam?
Continue reading to learn when to start self-exams, what age to get a breast cancer exam, and the importance of routine mammograms.
What Is a Self-Breast Exam?
Self-Breast Exams are a simple and effective way for women to become familiar with their bodies and potentially catch any changes in their breasts.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women start performing monthly self-breast exams by the age of 20. This can help individuals become more aware of what is normal for their breasts and be able to detect any irregular lumps or changes.
What Age Should I Get a Breast Cancer Exam?
It is important to note that self-breast exams should not replace regular clinical breast exams. That said, you may be curious: What age should I get a breast cancer exam?
Clinical breast exams, where a healthcare professional examines the breasts for any abnormalities, should be done every three years starting at age 20, and then yearly from the age of 40.
The Importance of Mammograms
Now that we’ve answered the question – What age should I get a breast cancer exam?- let’s turn our attention to mammograms.
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that produces images of the breast tissue. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with average risk for breast cancer should start getting yearly mammograms at age 45.
Customized Screening Schedule
Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer may need to start mammograms earlier. So, it is important to discuss with your doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
In addition, the frequency of mammograms may vary depending on personal health history and family medical history. Accordingly, your doctor will take all these factors into consideration when determining your screening schedule.
Lastly, women should try to stay aware of any changes in their breasts and to speak with their doctor if they notice anything out of the ordinary. Early detection is key in successfully treating breast cancer.
Schedule a Breast Cancer Exam Today!
Ready to take the next step? If so, please call our office to schedule a breast cancer exam with one of our highly skilled and experienced OBGYNs.
