According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), a women who
does NOT have the following is considered to be at average risk:
- A personal history of breast cancer
- A strong family history of breast cancer
- A genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene)
- Chest radiation therapy before the age of 30
Guidelines for women who are at average risk for breast cancer:
Ages 20 - 34
- Breast self-exam once a month, one week after onset of menstruation
- Physical exam yearly
Ages 35 - 39
- Breast self-exam once a month, one week after onset of menstruation
- Baseline mammography
- Physical exam yearly
Ages 40 - 44
- Breast self-exam once a month, one week after onset of menstruation
- Have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year
- Physical exam yearly
Ages 45 - 54
- Breast self-exam once a month, one week after onset of menstruation
- Mammography every year
- Physical exam yearly
Age 55 and older
- Breast self-exam once a month, one week after onset of menstruation; post-menopausal women - the same day each month
- To discuss with your personal physician: Switch to a mammogram every other year or continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- Physical exam yearly