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Age to begin mammograms? How often?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from Anne: I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45. I have a 20-year-old daughter. At what age should she start having regular mammograms and at what frequency (e.g. annual)?
Answer —Terri McHugh, M.D.: It is difficult to answer this question in the absence of other family history. If you are the only family member with breast cancer, then your daughter should have a baseline mammogram at age 30 and annual to begin at age 35. Personal factors in your daughter such as family history may alter these recommendations.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Risk and Your Family. Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. and Terri McHugh, M.D. answered your questions about how family genes affect risk, pros and cons of genetic testing, and ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Carol Cherry, M.S.N, R.N., A.P.R.N, B.C. is health educator, Research Project Manager, and Cancer Risk Counselor in the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

Terri McHugh, M.D. is a medical oncologist/hematologist and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program.

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