My battle with breast cancer involved 3 operations, 18 weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At nearly all my appointments, I saw younger women who had discovered their condition due only to a felt lump. A much earlier detection would mean less harsh treatment and better survival chances. My experience awakened my determination to prevent other women from suffering the same ordeal. Therefore, I am calling for a crucial change.

Currently, the recommended age for starting mammograms is 50. However, with the increasing number of young women under 50 being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is evident that this guideline is outdated. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, and one in every eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This underscores the pressing need for earlier detection.

Cancer doesn't discriminate: it strikes regardless of age. Women younger than 50 continue to experience a crucial delay in diagnosis and consequently, a delay in life-saving treatment. By lowering the age for starting mammograms from 50 to 40, we can significantly increase breast cancer detection in younger women, improve survival rates, and reduce the intensity of treatments required.

Together, we can ensure that women have access to earlier and more efficient breast cancer screening. I earnestly ask you to lend your support to this petition. The impact of your signature transcends any conceivable boundaries and has the power to save countless lives. Please, sign this petition for a lower mammogram starting age.