By Stamford Health’s Breast Center Team

They say life begins at 40, and so should yearly mammograms! In case you’re on the fence about why you need a mammogram, here are 5 surprising reasons why it’s especially important to book your first one around your 40th birthday.

1. When you turn 40, your chance of breast cancer increases.

And, unfortunately, it only rises as you get older. Specifically, 1 in 6 breast cancers occur in women between the ages of 40 and 49.

2. Catching breast cancer early can make all the difference.

The sooner something is detected via a mammogram, the better your chances of surviving and thriving. If breast cancer is detected early on, the more likely you are to beat cancer and thrive. So, start getting mammograms at age 40!

3. The number of lives lost from breast cancer is highest for women in their 40s.

Think you can wait for a mammogram? Unfortunately, that is not the case, given this fact.

4. Just by being a woman in your 40s, you are already at a higher risk for breast cancer.

… which ties back to number 1 above. Are you ready to make this incredibly important decision for your health?

Sources Cited:
https://www.sbi-online.org/endtheconfusion/PatientResources/WhyScreenat40.aspx