When do I need a mammogram?

For most women, yearly mammograms should begin at age 40. Some associations, like the American Cancer Society, recommend a baseline mammogram for women aged 35-40 years. If a woman has an immediate family member who has had breast cancer she should start her mammograms 10 years prior to that person's age at diagnosis. Women of all ages should perform self-breast exams and any changes of countour, skin, or nipple discharge should be brought to the attention of her provider.