Should I get a mammogram at 18 years old, my

[Dorsey K]

grandmother had breast cancer, should i take action now? my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and my stepmother is only 48 years old and she has breast cancer. While i have researched that you should start getting mamograms when you are 40years old, i am wondering if i should go earlier? i know some girls my age (18) who have had breast cancer, and who get regular mamograms. what should i do??

[Me!!!!!!]

its better to be safe than sorry.If you dont have the mammogram, then you will worry whether you have breast cancer or not. If you do have the mammogram, then you will have no need to worry and action to fight breast cancer can quickly take place.my advice is to get it done.

[F. Perdurabo]

Relax. Don't think about or get obsessed about it. There's no better way to get sick than to think about getting sick all the time.FP

[Kris f]

if it is in the family i spose it good to get checkd

[mikah_smiles]

This is something you need to talk to your doctor about. He or she will be able to tell you exactly how high your risks are, and what action you should be taking.

[k6192]

talk to your doctorsee if he thinks it rightbut definately talk to him becasue ur bettersafethansorry

[nickelbabe89]

my mom also had breast cancer and i turned 18 in july. i got the test done and they said if it was clear i could get one up to every 5 years until 40 then every year. i would to be safe but not every year not until your older. they can be very uncomfortable the larger your breast size is.

[b_furbee21]

Just make sure you get your yearly well women check up the doctor will check you then...it's usually not a mammogram and be sure to check yourself as well...you check now and feel whats normal then if you are checking regularly you'll feel if there is a strange lump or not...consult with your doctor about how you feel and they will let you know what's best. I'm sure! Good Luck...Breast Cancer runs in my Fam. too.

[babidollishere]

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.

[lovelife]

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

[GEE-GEE]

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.

[shay-ree]

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