Who should be screened for breast cancer?
Therese Bevers, M.D., discusses screening exams for women at average risk and increased risk for breast cancer. MD Anderson recommends women at average risk begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women at increased risk may need to start screening at an earlier age, get additional tests or be tested more often.
Women can be at increased risk for breast cancer if they fall under one or more of these groups:
· History of radiation treatment to the chest
· Genetic mutation, including an abnormality in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes, CDH1, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome
· History of lobular carcinoma in situ
· Five-year risk of breast cancer 1.7% or greater at age 35 or older, as defined by a Gail Model calculation. Calculate your risk using the Gail Model.
· A life-time risk of breast cancer 20% or greater, as defined by models dependent on family history. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer should consider speaking with a genetic counselor.
To find out more about the factors that may put you at increased risk, visit www.mdanderson.org/mammogram.