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What Is The Age Limit To Begin Mammograms?
Question: This is a more general question...I realize I should talk with my doctor and I plan to, but can't get in for a while. Is there any consistent guidance about when to get your first mammogram? I have read conflicting things. A physician assistant at Planned Parenthood told me I should consider genetic testing! But about two years ago, my primary care doctor said I didn't even need a mammogram early. My maternal grandmother died of breast cancer in her late 30's. My mother died of suicide at age 53 (with no history of breast cancer), and my older sister is now 52 with no history of breast cancer. There are no other surviving female relatives on my mom's side. There are two aunts on my dad's side in their 70's, with no history of breast cancer. It seems to me that at age 36, the risks of a mammogram outweigh the benefits, but I was wondering if you would have any opinion on this? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Not recommended below 40 years old
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for using HCM,
I read carefully your question.
The fact that your grandmother had breast cancer, is not a risk factor in itself, not as much as if were your mother or sister.
Of course there other factors as well like the numbers of children you had, the early age of first period, the use of hormonal contraceptives especially estrogen.
There are also factors that are not in our hands like age or the specific genes.
So, as you may know, these gather all and determine if a person has low or high risk of having breast cancer, which determines when you will need to do your mammogram. But sometimes, even if someone may be low risk, she may get a breast cancer at an age like 30 y/o, because the risk of having a cancer is never 0%, and the risk factors are only predictive.
I checked the latest recommendations, and regardless the risk, no one under 40 y/o is recommended to do routine mammograms. So, I would recommend to do breast ultrasounds until that age, and if something suspicious is found then of course you can do further evaluations.
After the age of 40, then the according the other factors you can decide if you will need to do the mammogram every 2 years, or every 3-4 years. That will depend on the factors mentioned above, and there is an algorithm to be followed to come to the conclusion of it.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need further clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Not recommended below 40 years old
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for using HCM,
I read carefully your question.
The fact that your grandmother had breast cancer, is not a risk factor in itself, not as much as if were your mother or sister.
Of course there other factors as well like the numbers of children you had, the early age of first period, the use of hormonal contraceptives especially estrogen.
There are also factors that are not in our hands like age or the specific genes.
So, as you may know, these gather all and determine if a person has low or high risk of having breast cancer, which determines when you will need to do your mammogram. But sometimes, even if someone may be low risk, she may get a breast cancer at an age like 30 y/o, because the risk of having a cancer is never 0%, and the risk factors are only predictive.
I checked the latest recommendations, and regardless the risk, no one under 40 y/o is recommended to do routine mammograms. So, I would recommend to do breast ultrasounds until that age, and if something suspicious is found then of course you can do further evaluations.
After the age of 40, then the according the other factors you can decide if you will need to do the mammogram every 2 years, or every 3-4 years. That will depend on the factors mentioned above, and there is an algorithm to be followed to come to the conclusion of it.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need further clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello and thank you very much for your detailed response. I had never heard of ultrasound imaging for the breast. I will talk to my doctor about it. I realize you cannot calculate my risk, but does having children generally increase or decrease your risk?? I do not have any yet. I started my period at age 13. And I took the birth control pill from age 20-25, then again from age 30-32. I did see something as well online about the risks outweighing the benefits (for mammograms) under the age of 40. Thank you again for the information.
Brief Answer:
You seem to low risk from what you are telling me
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
Yes, ultrasound imaging for the breast is used before the age of 40 to check on other conditions that woman may have before that age. It is not so accurate in diagnosing breast cancer, but sometimes very helpful when the cancer is developing from a cyst or ducts. And also except the financial cost, it has no side effects or risks.
Your period has started not that early so I don't see that to be a risk factor.
Having children and breastfeeding decrease the risk, so that means that having no children is one of the risk factor that increase that odd.
Also, the contraceptives does not cause the risk in itself, if they are combined with progesterone-estrogen and if they are balanced. Estrogen alone, is the one who increases the risk.
So, overall, from what you are telling me, except the fact of not having born children, I don't see other risk factors. I would say your risk is low, but of course, the genes specific to causing breast cancer are the ones who have the highest contribution in it.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
You seem to low risk from what you are telling me
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
Yes, ultrasound imaging for the breast is used before the age of 40 to check on other conditions that woman may have before that age. It is not so accurate in diagnosing breast cancer, but sometimes very helpful when the cancer is developing from a cyst or ducts. And also except the financial cost, it has no side effects or risks.
Your period has started not that early so I don't see that to be a risk factor.
Having children and breastfeeding decrease the risk, so that means that having no children is one of the risk factor that increase that odd.
Also, the contraceptives does not cause the risk in itself, if they are combined with progesterone-estrogen and if they are balanced. Estrogen alone, is the one who increases the risk.
So, overall, from what you are telling me, except the fact of not having born children, I don't see other risk factors. I would say your risk is low, but of course, the genes specific to causing breast cancer are the ones who have the highest contribution in it.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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