Breast Cancer Screening: Why Starting Earlier Might Save Your Life
Did you know that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women? That's why it's crucial to start earlier and have a screening plan in place.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that women of average risk for breast cancer be screened by age 40 every other year until age 74. This is a significant change from their previous recommendation, which suggested not starting screening until age 50. On the other hand, the American Cancer Society recommends starting screening no later than age 40 every year for those assigned the gender 'female' at birth.
It's important to note that between the ages of 40 and 49, the risk of breast cancer goes up by 2% per year according to the National Institutes of Health. That's why I recommend every woman discusses her breast cancer screening plan with her physician by the age of 25. Women with high risk, personal history of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, positive genetic testing (ie BRCA), or with high radiation exposure should get screened earlier.
Women with dense breasts should discuss an individualized screening plan with their physicians. Black women should definitely discuss earlier and/or more frequent screening plans with their physicians given that they tend to have more aggressive breast cancers at earlier ages. Remember, always consult with your physician for more information regarding your individualized screening plan. Don't wait, take control of your health today.
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