Friday, February 12, 2010

Is 21 years old too young to get screened for breast cancer


Is 21 years old too young to get screened for breast cancer?
It's breast cancer month and I heard about getting free thermal imaging breast cancer screenings in the newspaper. I don't have a history of breast cancer in the family, but I thought it would be cool to bring my mom with me to get screened. My only concern is taking up doctors time because I am only 21 and should have healthy breasts. Should I be concerned about getting screened? Do you think its too young?
Cancer - 14 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It's never too young to get a base screening - you can keep a copy of the images so your doctors can compare them later. However, unless you have a family history, they really only suggest doing self exams and yearly doctor's exams until you are 35.
2 :
It is too young... I am 30 and my mom just died in May from breast cancer and the doctor and my insurance won't allow me to get checked. I am told just to do self exams, my mom's cancer wouldn't have been detected early on from a self exam it came from deep within her breast. I think a breast exam should be done every year just as a pap smear for everyone ..maybe then the cancer could be detected earlier and less lives lost to the monster!
3 :
No, never too young. Since it's free, do it. Then you'll have a good baseline to compare to in later years. Some insurance companies won't pay for this type of screening until you're older unless the doctor orders it so take advantage of the freebie.
4 :
I would say that you are never too young to get screened. A friend of mine had a lump in her breast that she had to have a biopsy on and she is only 22. She also has no history in her family. There is no harm in getting checked.
5 :
It's never too young, my 3 daughters did at the age of 20 because breasts cancer runs in my family as well as my wife side. Insurance had no problems in covering it.
6 :
There are times when 21 year olds should be screened, but you don't indicate a family history or a positive BRAC1 or 2. At your age, being aware of your breast health is the bst thing you can do for yourself. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you: 1. Know your risk Talk to your family to learn about your family health history Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer 2. Get screened Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40 3. Know what is normal for you See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight Add exercise into your routine Limit alcohol intake
7 :
No, you should not get a screening. If you have no risk factors, and no active symptoms, you really have no need to get a mammogram. I have spent many years doing mammography. A screening mammogram at a young age is never a good idea. The breast tissue is dense ( have for x-ray to penetrate) and more radiation is used. We have a saying ( risk vs benefit). The doctor is the one that needs to order a mammogram if he feels there is a valid reason to expose you to radiation. Typically, if there is a problem at this age, an ultrasound of the breast is the first step, not the mammogram.
8 :
Besides which, at least in the US, thermal imaging is generally considered as "alternative" in terms of breast cancer screening. There may be other countries and other cancers where it is more acceptable.
9 :
if its the same as a mammagram then the tissue in the breast is too dense to get a decent image.normally women who are over 50 lose the density in the breast when the menopause occurs but obviously if you have a lump they can soon detect whether it is cancerous or not at your age.
10 :
listen to sprinter you are to young to have a mammogram, You can have an ultrasound or do a self examination take a look at this video it shows you how to do a self examination. good luck.
11 :
It's good that you go for breast cancer screening. I've girls as young as 16 get it. You MUST go if you feel that your breast itches, swells up or sink (nipple).
12 :
You are way too young to worry about breast cancer. However, you should bring your mom for a screening.
13 :
Your not taking up your doctors time at all...thats why they are there. I was always told women should perform self exams all the time when in the shower and stuff, and males the same with self tests for testicular cancer. You will become so aware of your body when performing these tests, that as soon as something that wasnt there yesterday is there today, you will be on the phone with your doc asap to get checked. But its up to you...cancer is no joke, theres always a chance you can get it at any age, theres a first time for everything. Link in source is all about cancer, symptoms, types, etc...hope this helps you out.
14 :
Hello, You can always be screened for breast cancer. The question in your case is whether this thermal imaging would show anything at your young age. The breast tissues are more firm in younger patients and this sometimes makes imaging difficult and at times less effective in this age group. Why don't you call the imaging center and ask before you go? Best Regards, John Di Saia MD 






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Posted by breast cancer consultant at 4:12 PM