A mammogram is one of the most powerful tools for early breast cancer detection. Whether or not you have symptoms, regular screenings are key to staying ahead of your breast health.

If you carry the BRCA gene, have a family history of abnormal breast tissue, or other risk factors, your provider might recommend starting earlier.

Standard guidelines suggest:

• Start at age 40 for average risk 
• Every 1–2 years from ages 50–65 
• After 65, consult your GYN or midwife about whether continued testing is needed 

If the idea of a mammogram makes you nervous, ask about gentle compression technology or clinics that specialize in first-time screenings.