age of first mamogram(mammogram)?

I am a 25 year old white female. There is no family history of ca in my family, however, I am still worried.  I do self breast exams every month, however, I am unsure if I feel changes.  I am 38 DD and it all feels like lumps.  I know to feel for changes in the lumps, but I fear I am not doing it correctly/adquately.  I asked a health care provider about having a mammogram done when I was 21 for the same reasons, however, she told me to wait untill I'm 40 to avoid unnecessary exposure.  I would be more comfortable having a base line mamogram (mammogram) done once for piece of mind as well as for a base lne. Would you reccomend strongly against this?  Thank-you for your time and oppinion.

Jenny

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Jenny,  In younger women the breasts are less fatty, more dense.  What this means is there is a greater proportion of breast tissue than fat, which makes interpretation of a mammogram in a younger person difficult.  The current standard is to do a baseline mammogram at about age 35, and then routine  screenings after age 40.  

It is tricky to be "sure" about your self breast exam especially when you are feeling lumps or ropiness that is common in many women.  Many women who have found a lump on their exam, say that it was obviously a change.  So familiarity with your breasts through monthly self exam, annual check with your health care professional are the current recommendations for a women of your age.  You may want to review with your health care professional at your next visit your breast exam technique, so you are feeling more confident and less worried.

[ILU]

Hello I live in Pa..I was having some pain around breast area also it goes to the chest area...The pain was quite severe for 3 days.I am confused and worried.what it could be..But it went away..My doctor thinks it's muscular cramp as the pain was not at all constant..I had similar pain last yr..never could make it to the doctor..But it just went away..Could it happen if I did wear proper size bra's..I am from India basically.I have never found my right size bra here..

do i need a mamogram (mammogram)..

pls let me know