Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

The fifth person in my close family has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I just can't believe it.

All of the family members are on my fathers side. My dad's 3 sisters, my great-aunt, and now my 80 year old grandmother was recently diagnosed.

I hear so much about breast cancer being prominent on the mother's side of the family. My mom is totally on my case to get a mammography now. I just turned 30 this year.

When did you start getting mammographies?

Message edited 7/15/2008 7:29:19 PM.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Som drs. recommend haveing a baseline mammo done at 35 and then regularly at 40 (I don't know if you are supposed to go every year after 35 until 40 because I didn't go until 40).

You should tell your gynocologist. They might recommend you go sooner.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I just had a gyno app. today and because of my family history my dr told me I'll start having them next year (when I'm 35)

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Got my first one at 36. (My Aunt had breast cancer) They told me I'm good until 40.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Got my baseline at 30. I have had them regulary every year since I was 35...

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I would speak to my ob/gyn about that. No one close in my family has had Breast Cancer yet. Only a cousin who was married into my dad's side of the family. But, I would say to bring it up to your ob/gyn.

~dancerandchef~
charlotte and michael

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

my gyn is sending me for a baseline when i'm 30 due to family history. Generally, baseline is at 40 (if you don't have any family hx).

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I got an Rx for my first one on my 36th b-day. There is no family history of breast cancer in my family and I did not fight it. It was reassuring.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

i found a lump at 29---and a subsequent lumpetectomy (benign, thank god)

i'm 31 now and have a mammography once a year and a sonogram once a year as well as breast exams 2x a year.

my mother had a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

You should be getting mammorgraphies by 30 if your MOTHER or SISTER had breast cancer. Some doctors also say maternal aunt.

You should be doing monthly checks in the shower (right after your period is best) and probably between 35-40 is a good time to make them a part of your yearly checkup.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42 and passed away at 47. I got my first base line at 29. and ive been going for yearly mammos ever since. plus yearly sonograms, and ive had an mri done. I stay very on top of it.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I got my baseline done at 31. I'm adopted and don't have much medical history. It was something I felt NEEDED to be done.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I've had two - starting at 39.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I had a small lump under my arm about three months ago and had one done just in case. I am glad that I had it done, because now I have a picture of a healthy normal breast that they can always compare it to. Thankfully, it was just a cyst that went away with time.

ETA I turned 33 on Sunday.

Message edited 7/15/2008 8:40:23 PM.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Not yet, but I will once I turn the age that my Insurance will cover it. I don;t have a history of it in the family so I have to wait. Not that I am looking forward to it, but it sure helps to take the steps early to prevent it

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I've been told I'm "lumpy" by my doctor since I was 24 or so. At 27, I started to go for mammos, and actually had a lump removed. It turned out fine, but I'm glad I had it done.

Honestly, it's not the most pleasant experience, but it's a total of about 2 minutes of discomfort, as opposed to months of discomfort, or worse, if something is wrong. I think everyone dreads it, but after you've done it once, it will never seem as bad. I can't tell you what to do, but your peace of mind is worth a whole lot - I think it's worth it to go.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

My aunt died from breast cancer in 1999. My sister died from a very aggressive form of breast cancer 7 years ago. I was advised to start getting mamograms the minute my sister was diagnosed... but I was breast feeding at the time. Once I stopped breastfeeding I got pregnant! I got my first mammogram after I stopped breastfeeding my 2nd son (about 3.5 years ago). There were some anamolies and I had to go back for a cone compression and have been advised to follow up every 6 months. I am not consistant with my follow ups.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

My mother had breast cancer when i was 35. My doctor wanted me to do my baseline when I was 36. I have had a mammogram done every year since then. I also have doctor breast exams twice a year and I also do self exams. I saw what my mom went through. No way......I actually just had mine done last Wednesday.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I haven't had one. I am 27 but have a very close family member with breast cancer. My OBGYN didn't say to get one after i told him of my family member. I probably should get one but i would like to change OBGYN first I am not comfortable with where I would have to give birth and thats where my gyno delivers.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

No family history. The first was done at 37. I had an abnormality and had it removed. It was a pre-cursor for BC.. they watch me like a hawk now.

Mammo
Sono
MRI

I just made an appt with my breast surgeon as a follow up.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I am almost 24 and I have never had one.. is that horrible? should i be getting them? where/how?

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

i'll be looking into all this shortly.
i just got health insurance at my new job and i just turned 35.

so sorry to hear about your family.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

My mother and maternal grandmother are both breast cancer survivors. I will start at 30 for my baseline.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

I'm very sorry to hear about your family. I've gotten them every 6 mos since I was in my late '20's. My Mom was diagnosed at a very young age and eventually died from the disease. I also have other family members who have been diagnosed so my doctors and I keep on top of it.

Message edited 7/15/2008 11:18:03 PM.

Re: Breast Cancer: Do you get mammographies?

Baseline was at 35. Just had a followup this year - 5 years later.

I do have to pick up the baseline because I've gotten no less than 15 phone calls asking for the baseline.