For pre-menopausal women, there is no right answer to the question of whether to have regular screening mammograms. But you can inform yourself about the procedure and make a rational decision about whether to undergo regular mammography. Here are the steps we recommend:

1. Learn about the risks and benefits of mammograms.
2. Talk to a health care provider you trust about the risks and benefits of mammograms for pre-menopausal women in general and for you in particular.
3. Evaluate your own comfort level with mammograms, given the information you have acquired, your own risks and how well you tolerate risk.
4. If you decide to have screening mammograms before you are through menopause, insist on meeting with the radiologist who reads your first one so that she or he can show you the film and discuss with you how readable your mammograms are (or aren't).
5. Whatever you decide, do not rely completely on mammograms. Get to know your body, and do not ignore any changes in your breasts. Have annual clinical breast exams as well.