Annual mammograms are one of the best things women can do for themselves to ensure they catch breast cancer early. “Women need to have mammograms annually because a lot can change in a year’s time. And it’s so important to catch the malignancies while they are very small, and that will increase the survival chances,” says Kathy Davidson. “Between 35 and 40 you should have your first mammogram, which is called a baseline mammogram. And then yearly mammograms after that. For self exams, some of the things you would need to look for are lumps, tenderness, puffy skin, discoloration of the skin, texture of the skin, or discharge the nipple.”

Learn more about breast services at CHI St. Vincent.