If you have a BRCA gene mutation, which raises your breast cancer risk to about 50% to 85% in your lifetime, mammograms are essential. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual screening for breast cancer starting at age 30 if you have a BRCA mutation. In addition to screening with mammography, they recommend a yearly MRI.
You might also need more frequent breast cancer screenings if you have other risk factors, including:
A family history of breast cancer and an estimated risk of 20% or greater according to risk assessment tools
A first-degree relative with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and you haven’t been tested yet
Radiation therapy to the chest between ages ten and 30
Li-Faumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley Ruvalcaba syndrome
Your doctor can recommend an appropriate screening schedule based on your unique breast cancer risk factors.