Family history of breast cancer. since i am 37 and not over 40 yet breast surgeon believes i should wait to have mammos when i am over 40. thinks risks outweigh benefits. just had mri and its normal still a bit anxious. should i do mammo ?

Brest cancer ?'s: Screening for breast cancer with a strong FHx can start in 30's. If the MRI was done to exclude breast cancer and was normal, the MRI is actually better as a screening tool than mammography. Annual digital mammography and a genetic test for specific gene types which can be associated with increased risk for breast cancer are approved with a positive family history as well.

Breast cancer: The recommended screening regimen depends on a comprehensive risk assessment. Family history is a component of that, but the relative contribution of family history to your risk depends on which, and how many, relatives have been affected. Genetic testing could be indicated. That said, if you just had a breast MRI, you don't need a mammogram right now. MRI is a more sensitive screening tool.

Dr Hegab agreed

It all depends: According to the American Cancer Society, screening with mammogram should begin at age 45 and with a yearly basis. In high risk patients with family history of breast cancer, as in your case, screening should begin 10 years prior to the appearance of the breast cancer in the first relative. Hope this helps!

Dr Hegab agreed

MRI is better.: If you have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, children) with breast cancer, you must start your screening 5 years before the age in which they got the diagnosis. In women before age 40, the breasts' tissue is not clearly visualized in the mammography. The best test is the MRI, so if your MRI is clear, you don't need a mammography.