The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more options a woman has for effective treatment and survival. A mammogram is not effective in detecting breast cancer in dense breast tissue. While more difficult to interpret in younger women because of denser breast tissue, breast cancer can be detected with mammograms. If a younger woman is having unusual symptoms, she should see a physician immediately. She may need to have a mammogram at a younger age than 35, depending upon her physical condition and the recommendation of a reliable physician.
Breast size affects the risk of breast cancer.
Whether large or small, the size of a woman's breasts does not place her at a higher risk. Exercise and weight loss will affect the size of the woman's breasts. Eating a low-fat, healthy diet reduces the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that exercise greatly reduces breast cancer risk. Women under the age of 50 do not benefit from mammograms.