--- title: "Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations | Sutter Health" description: "Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?" url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/breast-cancer-screening-recommendations-1051061366" --- 1. Home / 2. Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations # Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations * * * Medically reviewed by - Michael R. Forrest, M.D. ## Question Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40? ## Answer This is a complicated question and involves both assessment of your actual risk, then consideration of how that should inform your screening process. Consult with your doctor to calculate your actual risk, based on all the facts. If lifetime risk is high enough (>20 percent) you may consider treatments that can reduce your risk. You would start mammogram screening at age 30 and consider using breast MRI also. Breast exam by health provider is recommended every 6-12 months. If your risk is lower, then standard screening with annual mammograms beginning at age 40 is recommended. Breast self exam should be done by all women monthly at the end of menses. This complements mammograms, which can be less sensitive in premenopausal women due to higher breast density. ## Explore related topics Breast CancerCancerScreenings and ImmunizationsCheck-Ups and Screenings ## Related questions View all questions - Health Q&A ### Mammogram Screening for Breast Cancer Survivors How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer. - Health Q&A ### Radiation from Digital vs. Regular Mammogram My mom died of breast cancer at the age of 55, so I've been getting mammograms since the age of 30. Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms? Should I be getting digital mammograms instead? - Health Q&A ### Additional Views During a Mammogram I had breast cancer 10 years ago. I had chemo and radiation. I've had mammograms every year since. What does it mean when additional pictures are needed because of denseness? What is the cause, and what is the chance it's a reoccurrance of cancer? - Health Q&A ### Benign vs. Cancerous Breast Lumps What does a breast cancer lump feel like? I heard the lumps that move when touched aren't as much of a concern. - Health Q&A ### Breast Implants and Cancer Detection I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer? 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