When Should I Start Getting S... Health Article

Certain well-respected organizations have varying advice about the methods of breast cancer screening and how often you should be screened. Here’s what two of these groups recommend for those with an average risk of getting breast cancer.

• U.S.Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF)—The USPSTF recommends getting either a mammogram or a mammogram with a clinical breast exam (CBE). It suggests being screened every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.

• American Cancer Society (ACS)—The ACS recommends a combination of mammography and CBE, with or without a breast self-exam (BSE). It suggests having a CBE at least once every 3 years from age 20 to 39 and then each year once you reach age 40. It also recommends having a mammogram once a year starting at age 40.

If you have a high risk for breast cancer, consider earlier and more frequent screening. Discuss this with your doctor.

Who’s At High Risk for Breast Cancer and May Need More Frequent Screenings?

You’re at high risk if you agree with any of these statements. And if you’re at high risk, you may need to be screened more frequently than someone whose risk is lower.

I have a strong family history of breast cancer or have the breast cancer gene.

If you have had genetic testing that shows a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, you are at high risk for breast cancer. You should begin screening at age 25. A very strong family history includes 2 or more female relatives with breast or ovarian cancer (especially if breast cancer was diagnosed before age 50 or was in both breasts) or at least one close male relative with breast cancer. If you have this kind of family history, begin screening at age 25 for breast and ovarian cancer and get follow-ups with a specialist.

I have had breast cancer before.

If you have had breast cancer, you should see your cancer doctor regularly and have a yearly mammogram.

I have had benign breast disease.

If you have been diagnosed with benign breast disease, you should be screened every year.

I have been exposed to high doses of radiation.

If you have ever been exposed to high-dose radiation in your chest area, you have an increased chance of getting breast cancer. You should have a mammogram beginning 10 years after the radiation exposure or at age 40, whichever comes first. Some experts also recommend a BSE and CBE beginning at the same time.