should women in their 20s get mammograms?

[candygram]

I posted this in another forum, but I feel this forum is more appropriate. I am 24yrs old and im just curious should women in their 20s get an annual mammogram? my gynecologist does a breast exam when i go yearly, but is that good enough. i do my own exams, but im sort of a hypochondriac and im not sure if what im feeling is normal breast tissue or something serious.

[zouzi]

I am sure that the doctor would have felt a lump if it was there.If she didn't, then she is right that you simply have lumpy breast which is very common in young women .
Just keep doing your BSE every month a week after your period starts, to detect if there is anything unusual.Try to cut down your caffeine intake (Chocolate,coffee and colas) because it can help reduce lumpiness.
I am glad to know that there is nothing wrong with your breasts. :)
Take care...

[candygram]

ok, ladies i had my breast exam today and my doctor said everything was fine & my breast tissue was healthy...she just said i had very lumpy breast to begin with. now, im happy she didnt feel anything since she is the professional, but I swore up and down that I felt something. should i be satisfied with her exam...cus she did it more then once. i think i have just worked my nervous up over this entire situation.

[zouzi]

You welcome candygram.
Glad to know that you are seeing your doctor tomorrow.Please don't worry,things are more likely to be nothing serious at all.
I wish you good luck and please let us know how you are doing.
Sending you my best wishes... :)

[candygram]

ok, thanx ladies! i have an appt tm with my doctor...so im going to address my concerns with her. please wish me luck...im hoping everything comes out ok. im just really nervous.

[thejudster747]

Hi,

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer  (mother, sisters or aunts) discuss this with your primary care physican and perhaps an ultra-sound or MRI would be valuable for your mental and physical health.  Peace of mind is powerful!

Regarding the BRCA ! or BRCA 2 (genetic testing)....I have read  that this could place a "red flag" out for furture health insurance and they would label it "pre-exisitng".  
If you are ill a ease and you sense that something is wrong....follow your heart.  It's your body ...sometimes we never to  be aggessive and forceful regarding our health.  If your doctor isn't your advocate....find another doctor who is.

Best wishes

[zouzi]

Hi,
Usually when women are young,mammograms are not very useful because the breast tissue is very dense and if there is an abnormality,its hard for the radiologist to detect it.In this case an Ultrasound would be more appropriate.If further tests are needed a MRI would be very valuable as it can detect lumps when breasts are very dense.
Mammograms are recommended for women who are 40yrs old, but could be recommended earlier if there is a strong family history of breast cancer.
It's important that young women with lumpy breasts perform regular breast self-examinations and see their doctor regularly.Knowing the normal shape and feel of your own breasts is important to detect any unusual changes.If something doesn't seem quite normal to you when doing your BSE,you could talk to your doctor and see if an ultrasound can be ordered so that you don't have to worry needlessly.
Take care...

[SueYoung55]

If you have a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation you should have regular surveillance. If you have close family members with breast cancer very early in life, yes.

Otherwise, no. Self breast exams done correctly are the best route to take..