Breast cancer: When screening should start and which symptoms should not be ignored

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in women's attitudes toward preventive breast health care. For the general population, routine screening through mammography typically begins after the age of 40. However, women with a strong family history of the disease should start their screenings at least ten years earlier than the age their relative was diagnosed. Genetic testing, specifically for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, has become a vital tool for determining personalized monitoring strategies. Experts emphasize that any suspicious symptoms or changes detected during self-examination require immediate evaluation by a specialist. Early diagnosis remains the most critical factor for successfully treating even the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.