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Noone in My Family Has Breast Cancer, Can I Still Get It?

Genetics Isn't Everything: Unraveling Breast Cancer Risk.
By:
Elda
Published:
October 19, 2023

Breast cancer screening can help detect the disease at an early stage when it is more treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to get them every year thereafter. Women are also recommended to do a self breast examination monthly so that they can be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their healthcare provider.

Even if the risk of having breast cancer increases when there is a family history on the maternal side of the same, that does not mean that someone may not get breast cancer without a family history. So yes, it is still recommended that you screen for breast cancer even if you do not have a family history of the disease. 

It is important to note that screening recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors, such as age, personal medical history, and family history. Therefore, it is recommended that you discuss your individual risk factors and screening options with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan for you.