At what age should a woman start being checked for breast cancer? i'm 22.

During : During your annual well woman exam (pap smear) your doctor or provider will perform a breast exam. If any problems are detected then appropriate tests will be ordered, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. Monthly self breast examination is a useful way to detect any problems. The best time to do this is after your period. If you find an abnormality see your doctor right away. At age 4o you should begin breast cancer screening with yearly mammograms. If you have a first degree relative with breast cancer (i.e. Your mother) then you will need to begin having mammograms beginning ten years prior to when your mother was diagnosed. For instance, if your mother was diagnosed at age 45, then your screening will begin at age 35. Don't hesitate to ask your medical provider about these reccomendations, or other questions you may have.

20's: Starting around age 20 women should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years. Those with average risk will start with mammograms at age 40. Those with a strong family history should start 5 - 10 years before the youngest family was diagnosed or age 40, whichever comes first.