Ash UK/US

So I know they recommend you start getting Mammograms at age 40 in the US, just wondering how many of you have had a mammogram or have been recommened to have BEFORE age 40.

scrubbedexpat097

If there is a close family history (mother/sister/Aunt) then it used to be recommended before 40, usually 35, just to get a baseline. I'm not sure if insurance will still cover that now though.

Obviously if you have a problem and your doctor exams you and also thinks there may be a problem then you will need one sooner than 40.

I started at 40 and try to make sure I get it done every year...I'm never too keen though. It's not the most comfortable test to have but I know it's a necessity

Zoe Bell

The risk/ benefit analysis rarely comes out in favor of screening at a younger age unless there is a significant history or other major risk factors.

Basically the younger you are the less effective mammography is as a screening tool

Nutmegger

Been having them since I was in my late twenties, because of dense tissue. Nowadays they also have new guidelines that, for the same reason, I have to have ultrasound as well as mammogram every year.

Mummy in the foothills

I thought they changed the recommendation to age 50 now?

Sally Redux

I think they reduced the recommendation from every year to every 2 years here.

As I understand it, they are of limited benefit to younger women as the tissue is different when you are younger, also the risk of a radiation dose actually giving you cancer has to be weighed against the benefit of detection.

Brat1

I thought it was 50. I've never had one and I'm going to be 42 this year, but have no history of this kind of cancer in the family. Might need to look in to getting one done then, just to be on the safe side.

lisa67

No breast cancer on my family, but due to dense tissue, started having them in my late 30s and have one every year. Now in my early 40s.

coastieexpat

I offer free examinations and I can travel

NatashaB

Keep an eye out for those 'Wellness Days' at hospitals or health centers near you - they do mammograms for free at our local one along with a huge list of blood tests for $25, plus blood pressure tests, EKGs, diabetes testing etc for very reasonable prices.

penguinbar

I started at 40. I have two friends who started in their 30's because both of their mother's had breast cancer and I know of a few women in their 40's who have had it and had they waited until 50 would not be alive today to talk about it. The majority of breast cancer is not hereditary though but when it is it often strikes women at a younger age. I also had a friend die of breast cancer at 36 and another was diagnosed at only 24. In both of them their mom sisters, Aunts and/or grandmothers also had breast cancer. I have fibrocystic breasts so mammograms aren't fun but for me personally I would not feel comfortable waiting until I am 50.

Ash UK/US

Thanks for your imput girls

At my annual prod and poke about 5 years ago the doctor found a lump, of course that hit my panic button it turned out to be fine. The ultrasound and mammogram came back clear.

Fast forward to last week, the doctor found another lump in the same area and told me I needed to go for a mammogram and ultrasound. I reminded her about the previous one and asked if I could have the ultrasound first and let that dictate if I should have a mammogram (as I have a high detuctible). At the hospital I had the ultrasound and then they came back and said I needed the mammogram. Again after having both the results came back clear and all is well, I am beginning to think this is another money making scheme.

penguinbar

Glad you are ok! I have had several cysts in one breast. They have been drained at the doctors office. Did the doctor try to drain it first to see if it was a cyst or was it confirmed it was a mass? I tend to get them in the same area of one breast. The lab tests were negative and they were frluid filled so I was nevr sent for a follow up mammogram on those.

Ash UK/US

The only thing it has been refered to is a 'mass' I never has anything drained, just sent for a an ultrasound and mammogram both times. I had my first one at 28 and this time I was 33. Regardless it is scarey when they say 'lump' and sent you off to the hospital asap

Nutmegger

Most doctors use the guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society -- they have a comprehensive site if you are interested to check it out. Here are their guidelines as to what is considered high/moderate risk. As you can see, dense tissue comes in as a moderate risk. I've had many ultrasounds over the years for this reason, but it is only in the last two years that they have become mandatory for dense tissue patients.

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastC...ction-acs-recs