What to know about screening for breast cancer

This article originally appeared at Your Local Epidemiologist New York. Sign up for the YLE NY newsletter here. Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free New York City newsletter here.Next month, I turn 35. With guidance in the United States saying most women at average risk shouldn’t start routine breast cancer screening until age 40, it honestly hasn’t been top of mind for me. I’ve thought of breast cancer as something to think about for “later me.”But recently, that has changed.Last year, a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. At 34 years old. It was shocking to say the least. Thankfully, chemo worked incredibly well, and her latest test didn’t detect any cancer cells. Hallelujah.Then, this past week, Amanda Peet, born and raised in New York City, wrote a moving essay in the New Yorker about being diagnosed with breast cancer while also caring for her dying parents. Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, recently announced her diagnosis. Two years