Breast Cancer Risk & Mammogram Frequency: A 24-Year-Old's Concerns

Question
Hello. I am concerned about the effects of my family history and how often I should be getting mammograms.  I am a white, 24-year old female, nonsmoker.  My paternal grandmother and aunt both passed away from breast cancer before the age of 35.  Obviously, this is of great concern to me.  My family doctor recommends mammograms every year.  However, the radiologist at the center told me that I should NOT be getting them every year due to the risk of radiation and childbearing, and she told me that paternal family history doesn't raise your risk as much.  I am confused.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Yes the risk increase with a family history on your father's side is smaller but there is still a risk increase. Yes mammographies will give you an additional radiation dose. Besides mammography in young women is more difficult to interpret due to denser breast tissues. So I suggest instead MRI breast scans once per year with MRI guided needle biopsies of anything unclear seen. Good luck!