Breast Cancer: Mammograms and Age

Dear Dr. Dave & Dr. Dee,

I have gotten mammograms, although not on a regular basis. However, my daughter who is 36 does not plan to get one because she thinks that since my mammograms have all come out fine, that she is fine. Is there some truth to that?

Signed,

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

The second leading cause of cancer death for women is breast cancer. However, early detection of breast cancer can save one�s life. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast, which can detect cancers too small to be felt by self-exam or by physician examination.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women age 40 and older have a screening mammogram every year, and continue for as long as they are in good health. Annual mammograms should begin earlier for women with high risk factors such as a close family member with breast cancer.

In addition, women should perform monthly breast self-examinations.

For more information, go to www.cancer.org