Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, killing more than 40,000 women each year. Though only a mere 5 percent of cases are reported in women younger than 40, University students need to be aware of their risk today. Students need to be reminded that though they may be away from their family practitioner, they should continue to have yearly examinations conducted by a doctor.

Boynton Health Service offers free women’s clinic visits for students who pay the student services fee and have health insurance. Checkups include a clinical breast exam, something recommended to women older than 18 at least once a year. Besides going to Boynton, women should be giving themselves self-exams each month.

A new study released by the government Friday shows important news for women at high risk for breast cancer. High-risk factors include having a history of breast cancer on either parent’s side of the family, or an abnormality in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The study shows that new digital mammography is more effective than the old test in younger women because younger women tend to have denser breasts. The reason the mammogram isn’t recommended until women reach the age of 35 is because the technology to read dense breasts didn’t exist.

Mammograms aren’t recommended until a woman reaches the age of 35. However, if a younger woman is at high risk, the new technology will make it easier to detect abnormal or cancerous tissues earlier in life.

Breast cancer in young women is more aggressive than that in older women. It typically grows and spreads more quickly. This makes it imperative that women examine their breasts early. The more often one examines her breasts, the better they will get to know what is normal. When they know what feels normal, it makes it easier to find abnormalities that need a doctor’s attention.

The bottom line: Don’t forget to go see a doctor while you are at school. Take a minute away from each month and examine yourself. It’s worth it.