As women age the risk of breast cancer increases. Breast cancer risk is greater in women who:

• Smoke
• Eat unhealthy diets
• Are overweight
• Have a history of breast cancer in the family

A mammogram makes X-ray–like pictures of the breast tissue and will let doctors “see” if there have been changes that could be cancer or could become cancer. It is important for younger women—age 18 to 39—to also have their breasts checked by a doctor at least once a year during a clinical breast examination. This is usually performed by a doctor during an annual health care checkup.