And the American Cancer Society says many of these deaths can be prevented by early detection methods, such as those provided by the Student Health Center. Early detection involves many different things. As soon as a girl starts menstruating, she should begin breast self-examinations. At the age of 18, women should begin seeing a gynocologist to start getting pap smears. This test checks for ovarian as well as uterian cancer.
Doctors also do an examination to check for breast cancer, or any abnormalities in the breast.
When women reach the age of about 40, they should start having yearly mammograms. The answer lies in the fact that cancer knows no age. While it is uncommon, it isn't impossible for a young woman to get cancer. Just like a baby can be born with diseases usually associated with older people, such as heart conditions, cancer transcends the boundaries of age. If cancer runs in the family, especially the mom's side, it increases the chances of a woman getting cancer.