Comments on: Should I get a mammogram at 18 years old, my grandmother had breast cancer, should i take action now?

By: Simmi

Simmi — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:35:42 +0000

It is hard to do a mammogram on young women because the breast tissue is so firm. Do breast checks on your own to become familiar with how your breast feels. If something changes, you are more likely to notice. When ever you have a concern go see your doctor.

By: Diane T

Diane T — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:07:12 +0000

The average age for getting a mammograms is age 40. If you have a family history then you should have your first mammogram at the age of 35. There is a test you can have done to find out if you have the gene, it’s a blood test. If you are that concerned you might want to talk to a doctor about this and then think hard about if that is right for you. I mean what will you do with the information if it comes out that you do have the gene. It’s a hard choice to make, so think hard about it and go talk to a doctor. Good Luck

By: shay-ree

shay-ree — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:09:06 +0000

If not now, at least do self breast exams every month. I would start mamograms by the age of 25, and have one yearly.

By: GEE-GEE

GEE-GEE — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:19:51 +0000

It won’t hurt you to start getting them now. Just tell your doctor that you have a serious family history of breast cancer and are concerned about it. They may recommend that you get a mammogram every 2 years or so. But I like that you are worried about it now. Most women don’t care until its too late.

By: jimibones420

jimibones420 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:07:40 +0000

Well Im not a doctor or even a female at that but you know what I just happened to read the question n thought it would be a good idea to put my 2 cents in. Yeah being that it runs in your family i dont find it a bad idea at all to get that done. I know people may say o you are worrying to much or whatever but f— what they say. Its your health and it is better to be safe then sorry I say go ahead and get it done and even do it once a year or whatever is recomended.

By: lo_mcg

lo_mcg — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:55:48 +0000

Breast cancer is a common disease and your grandmother’s may or may not have been hereditary, but only a very small minority of breast cancer cases are– about 5 – 10%. Getting older is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer, around 80% of women who get it are over 50, and she may well have been one of the majority for whom it is a random thing.

Breast cancer that runs in families is thought to be caused by a faulty gene, which can increase your chances of getting breast cancer. You can be tested for this when you are older if your doctor thinks it’s necessary – usually if one of your parents carries it. However, having a faulty gene does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer.

Just remember – most cases of breast cancer aren’t hereditary. My oncologist was able to reassure me that mine wasn’t. Try not to worry without cause.

Mammograms are not normally done on younger women because their breast tissue is too dense for a worthwhile result. Mammograms are not done on request and a doctor will not order one for someone your age unless you have found a lump, in which case you would also have a biopsy and a scan.

By: lovelife

lovelife — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:39:15 +0000

yes go now…if you have not noticed people are now catching cancer at the early stages and you don’t want to be caught out there. if there is a chance that breast cancer is running through your family be the first to set an example an stop it now… don’t wait it might be to late

By: missy

missy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:21:41 +0000

Mayb u should go check…
I bet u won’t regret it.

By: bob

bob — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:15:09 +0000

it wouldnt hurt to get regular check ups if cancer runs in the family it will help put mind at ease so make appointment when ready .

By: babidollishere

babidollishere — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:21:10 +0000

Your stepmother is of no blood relation to you so her case is irrelevant to yours. Your grandmother (IF she is blood related, if she is your stepmother’s mother, then it is of no concern to you either) on the other hand….how old was she when she was diagnosed? You should start getting mammograms 10 years prior to her age when she was diagnosed. If she was 35, get one at 25, etc.