Missing the first mammogram linked to increased risk of breast cancer death, new study suggests

(CNN) — Women who miss their first screening appointment for breast cancer could have a 40% higher long-term risk of dying from the disease, according to a new study.

I wanted to understand more about the importance of screening and the results of this large study — especially since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month . The research, published September 24 in the journal The BMJ , involved more than 400,000 women in Sweden who were monitored for up to 25 years.

When should women begin screening for breast cancer, and why could delayed initial screening result in a higher longer-term risk of cancer death? In addition to mammograms, are there other tests that women should ask for? What about breast self-exams? And what are steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing