KNOW YOUR RISK

1 hour ago

4 min read

Knowing your risk can change when cancer screenings should start.

Cancer screening is not always one-size-fits-all. Your age matters, but so can your family history, genetics, personal health history, and other risk factors.

Understanding your risk can help you and your healthcare provider decide when screening should begin, how often you should be screened, and whether additional testing may be appropriate.

BREAST CANCER

For Most Women: Start Annual Mammograms at 40

Touch4Life encourages women at average risk to begin getting a mammogram every year starting at age 40, consistent with recommendations from the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging.

Do not wait until age 40, however, to begin thinking about your risk.

Start the Risk Conversation Early

The American College of Radiology recommends that all women have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25, with particular attention to Black women and others who may be at increased risk and could benefit from screening before age 40.

A risk assessment looks at factors that may make your chances of developing breast cancer higher than average.

If You Are at Higher Risk

Some people may need to begin breast cancer screening earlier than age 40 or receive additional screening.

The American Cancer Society recommends that certain women at high risk receive a breast MRI and mammogram every year, typically beginning around age 30.

People at higher risk can include those who:

Have a lifetime breast cancer risk of approximately 20% or greater based on certain risk assessment tools
Have an inherited gene change associated with increased breast cancer risk, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
Have a close relative with a known cancer-related genetic change
Have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Received radiation therapy to the chest at a young age
Have certain other genetic conditions or personal medical histories that increase breast cancer risk

For people with genetics-based increased risk, a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or greater, or previous chest radiation at a young age, screening may begin earlier and can include MRI along with mammography.

Questions to Ask About Your Breast Cancer Risk

Am I considered average risk or higher risk?
Should I have a formal breast cancer risk assessment?
Does my family history mean I should start screening before age 40?
Should I be screened every year?
Do I need a breast MRI in addition to a mammogram?
Could genetic counseling or genetic testing be appropriate for me?
Are there changes in my family history that I should report to you?

PROSTATE CANCER

Know When to Start the Conversation

There is not one screening age that is right for everyone.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men have an informed conversation with their healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening. The age to begin that conversation depends on risk.

Age 50

For men at average risk who are expected to live at least 10 more years.

Age 45

For men at higher risk, including:

Black men and men of African ancestry
Men whose father or brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65

Age 40

For men at even higher risk, including those with more than one first-degree relative who developed prostate cancer at an early age.

Men with certain inherited genetic changes may also need to begin the conversation earlier.

What Does Prostate Cancer Screening Involve?

The primary screening test is the PSA blood test, which measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood.

A digital rectal exam may also be performed in some situations.

How often PSA testing is repeated can depend on the PSA result, age, overall health, family history, and individual preferences.Questions to Ask About Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Am I considered average risk or higher risk?
Does my family history change when I should start screening?
When should I have my first PSA test?
What does my PSA result mean?
How often should my PSA be checked?
Does my family history suggest that genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate?
Are there other tests I may need based on my PSA or risk?

YOUR FAMILY HISTORY MATTERS

Cancer on both sides of your family matters.

When possible, know:

Who in your family has had cancer
What type of cancer they had
Approximately how old they were when diagnosed
Whether anyone has had more than one type of cancer
Whether several relatives have had the same or related cancers
Whether anyone was diagnosed at an unusually young age
Whether anyone in your family has had genetic testing
Whether a cancer-related genetic change has been found in your family

A family pattern does not automatically mean that you inherited a cancer-related genetic change. But it may be a reason to talk with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor.

Know Your History. Know Your Risk. Know When to Start.

Knowing your risk before the standard screening age gives you time to ask questions and work with your healthcare provider on a screening plan that makes sense for you.

Button:Build Your Family Health History