Wondering When Should You Start Screening For Breast Cancer? We Got You!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Are you wondering when you should get a mammogram? BC Cancer Agency stated that women between the ages of 40 to 74 are eligible for a screening. Ladies under 40 are probably cheering right now. If you have a family history of breast cancer, then it may be recommended by your doctor to have a mammogram earlier.
Are you under 40 and worried? It is best to have a quick chat with your physician. They can tell you if you have the BRCA1 or BCRA2 mutation or a prior chest wall radiation.
Ladies who have already begun to get mammograms, make sure to get one every year if you have a mother, daughter or sister diagnosed with the disease. Yes, this is a huge hassle because who really wants to get their boob smushed, but it is better to be safe. BC Cancer Agency states “women with a family history of breast cancer are almost two times likely to develop breast cancer.”
Those ladies who do not have a family history of breast cancer can be screened every two years. Again, it is encouraged to talk to your doctor about why you should be screened.
Ladies who have breast implants or injections should talk to your doctor to arrange a mammogram, you many not be eligible for a screening. Ladies who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of breast cancer, are experience new breast complains, or have had a mammogram within the past 12 months should not receive one. Again, if you do fall into one of these categories, do not take my word for it! Instead, talk to you doctor about your concerns; they will know what is best for you.
Women, get out there and get screened! The sooner you do, the sooner you can save the boobies.
Sarah is a Hufflepuff living in NYC. When she is not traveling or talking to random animals, she is working as a script writer. Tweet her at @lumpyspacederp
