I decided to get a screening mammogram earlier than the recommended 40-years-old. I don't have a significant family history of it, but my aunt (who is only 7 years older than I am) was diagnosed with it last year. My doctor gave his blessing (needed for insurance purposes), and said to do it when I turn 34 (this past March). I just got home from mine an hour ago.
The stinky and cruel parts of all of this is that my aunt works as a Patient Navigator for the American Cancer Society. When she turned 40, she did what any good PN should do and get her first mammogram. It was unfortunate that it happened to come back with bad news. She has since had a single mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She is doing well, and I think "cancer free."
It may not be right for everyone, but the more stories I hear of younger women getting diagnosed with BC, the more I think we should all go earlier for our first baseline screening.
ITA. I do have a family history, and started when I was 35. Had I not been getting them, my cancer might not have been found at such an early stage. Because of early detection, I avoided chemo and am cancer free.
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