Q:  What age should I start getting mammograms if my mother had breast cancer?

A:  Excellent question, while women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistically only about 10 % of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history.

If you have a first degree relative with breast cancer and they were diagnosed prior to the age of 50 years old, then American Cancer Society recommends you should consider regular diagnostic breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.

Current ACS guidelines support women age 40 years old and older to get mammograms yearly. Women in their 20 and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam as part of their regular health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.

Women at high risk are recommended to have yearly MRI and mammograms, such examples are known genetic mutations of BRCAI or BRACAII, first degree relative with known genetic mutation but individual not tested, radiation to chest between ages 10 to 30 years old, or Claus risk model placing individual in high risk category.

Hope this helps with your concerns.