TheAmerican Cancer Society, meanwhile, recommends that women begin screening mammograms at age 45.
For women under 40, accessing this important screening tool may be a less-than-straightforward process.
The first step for younger women interested in having a mammogram is to establish the reason why.
Photo Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Has a lump in the breast been discovered, or is there another potential abnormality?
Have relatives been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Is it simply a data point that seems useful?
No matter the motivation, its important to connect with a healthcare provider to discuss the issue.
Even if your doctor says youre at risk, insurance doesnt have to cover it, Guthrie said.
Insurance companies often have a go at find ways to deny patients access to that additional imaging.
Having a physician make the request for approval with an insurance company typically streamlines the process.
The doctor suggested Dedmon receive genetic counseling to assess her own risk.
I did encounter roadblocks, she told Verywell.
The most common mutations associated with breast cancer areBRCA1 and BRCA2.
Family history is also a factor.
If she has two first-degree relatives with breast cancer, her risk triples.
Women using Myriads genetic testing receive guidance on whether early screening or extra screening is advisable.
American Cancer Society.Breast cancer risk factors you cannot change.
