Many Breast Cancer Patients in Their 40s Aren't 'High-Risk'

The year I turned 40, I heard on tv the uspstf's recommendation regarding mammogram screenings. As I went to my yearly gynecology check up, I dreaded and expected my doctor to tell me it was time for a mammogram. Since I had no family history, he didn't and I didn't request one. The same thing the next year. It wasn't until seeing my internal medicine doctor this year that she said I needed to have a mammogram screening due to the American Cancer Society's recommendation. If I had waited until 50, I may not have needed one as I may have been dead. That mammogram screening lead to my breast cancer diagnosis and current treatment. I never felt a lump. From my experience, get a mammogram at 40!

Karen Laughorn of VA 11:21PM June 18, 2012