Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need to KnowBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Finding it early can save lives. A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray that can show changes in breast tissue before you or your doctor can feel them.

When to Get a Mammogram

The American Family Physician guidelines say most women who are at average risk for breast cancer should start talking to their doctor about mammograms between ages 40 and 50. For many women, screening every two years from ages 50 to 74 is recommended. If you are younger but have a higher risk, your doctor may suggest starting sooner or having mammograms more often.

Why Screening Matters

A mammogram can find breast cancer early, when it is small and easier to treat. Early treatment often means less aggressive care and a better chance of recovery. Mammograms can sometimes find changes that are not cancer, so follow-up tests may be needed.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

You may have a higher risk for breast cancer if:

• You have a close family member (mother, sister, or daughter) who had breast cancer.
• You have certain genetic changes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
• You had breast cancer before.

No cost BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Screening in Northern Nevada

The Healthy Nevada Project offers no cost genetic screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 to patients in Northern Nevada. These genes help protect you from cancer, but if they have harmful mutations/changes, your risk for breast and ovarian cancer is much higher. Knowing your genetic status can help you and your doctor make a plan for screening and prevention.

If you live in Nevada, you can sign up online at https://healthynv.org/  The test is a simple saliva sample or blood test, and your results are confidential.

I hope this helps.