My name is Jessica, and at 37 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer—the very same type my mother faced in her mid-40s.

Because of her diagnosis, I began getting annual mammograms at age 35. Although she tested negative for the BRCA gene, I knew that didn’t guarantee safety. From the start, I was considered high-risk due to cysts that showed up in early screenings. I didn’t take any chances. I even paid out of pocket for thermography—an additional screening not covered by insurance—just to be proactive and do everything I could to protect my health.

Despite all of this, I still received the same diagnosis as my mom. And I know I’m not alone. More and more women under 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer—many without a known family history or genetic marker. Early detection is the key, and waiting until 40 to begin routine screening is simply too late for too many.

I’m calling on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, lawmakers, and insurance policy decision-makers to lower the recommended age for routine mammograms from 40 to 35 for all women, regardless of family history or risk status.

Early screening:

* Saves lives
* Leads to earlier and less invasive treatment
* Reduces late-stage diagnoses
* Gives women peace of mind

It shouldn’t take a family history or a high-risk label to access life-saving screening. My story is personal—but it’s not uncommon. We can do better. We must do better.

Please join me in demanding that we shift the standard—because 40 is too late for too many.

Sign this petition to support women, save lives, and bring breast cancer detection into a new era of prevention.