Although breast cancer risk increases throughout a woman’s life, younger women can also face breast cancer. Experts do not recommend routine screening for breast cancer (mammogram) before age 40. But some women–those with hereditary risk factors for breast or ovarian cancer–may be advised differently.
We want to help our patients recognize risk factors in their family’s medical history. Your annual well-woman exam is an ideal time to review your family history. If your updated family history suggests higher risk, your Ob-Gyn physician may recommend genetic testing for abnormal changes in certain genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2). Your doctor will also recommend the breast cancer screening schedule that is appropriate for your age and any genetic risk factors.
At Sparks & Favor, we are pleased to offer Birmingham women up-to-date 3D technology for breast cancer screening. We want to tailor our recommendations to your individual situation. Please keep us informed of changes in your personal or family medical history.
Click on the image (left) to view the entire infographic on breast cancer risk in younger women from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infographic explains how BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations affect a young woman’s risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer.