Conventional medical wisdom advises that women begin to have annual mammograms at age 40.

So for most high school students, breast cancer is a health class topic, a disease that's most prevalent among older women and a fundraising activity.

For example, at Knoch High School, health classes read the Susan G. Komen story, said Jason Davidek, school spokesman.

Komen's sister, Nancy Brinker, set up the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation after her sister died from breast cancer at age 36.

The national foundation raises money for research that could lead to a cure, and leads campaigns to increase awareness of breast cancer, early detection methods and treatment options.

The Race for the Cure, held in Pittsburgh each Mother's Day, is the foundation's most noted event. Knoch students design posters to hang in hallways to commemorate it.

Although teenagers are at risk for breast cancer, it rarely strikes them, according to the Komen foundation Pittsburgh affiliate.

About 1,000 of the 11,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer this year will be 20 to 30 years old, according to the foundation. More than 250,000 women under 40 have breast cancer.

Nevertheless, the Komen foundation wants teenage girls to be “breast self-aware” and proactive about their health, said Ruth Modzelewski, mission coordinator. They encourage teenagers to learn about monthly self-examinations and to have clinical examinations every two-to-three years beginning at 20 years old, Modzelewski said.

The Komen foundation's brochure for young women, “We're Taking Care of Our Lives,” available online, recommends that young women:

• Know your risk:

Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.

Talk to your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.

• Get screened:

Ask your health care provider which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.

Ask your health care provider to check your breasts at least every 3 years. He will look and feel for changes in your breast and underarm areas.

• Know what is normal for you:

Tell your health care provider right away if you notice a change in the way your breasts look or feel.

• Make healthy lifestyle choices:

Maintain a healthy weight.

Add exercise into your routine.

Limit alcohol intake.

Breastfeed if you can.

For those teenagers or young women who are at a high risk for breast or ovarian cancer, there is Bright Pink, a Chicago-based organization especially for them.

“Our materials target all women 18 to 45 years of age,” said Mary Kate Fitzgerald, Bright Pink programs and outreach manager.

The Bright Pink website, www.brightpink.org, offers online forums, a peer support matching service called Pink Pal, and educational books called the Little Bright Book series, which can be downloaded.

The following are useful suggestions from the American Cancer Society for making sure that you receive a quality mammogram:• Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or does many mammograms a day.• Try to schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts are not tender or swollen to help reduce discomfort and assure a good picture. Try to avoid the week right before your period.• On the day of the exam, don't wear deodorant or antiperspirant. Some of these contain substances that can interfere with the reading of the mammogram by appearing on the X-ray film as white spots.• You may find it easier to wear a skirt or pants so that you'll only need to remove your blouse for the exam.• Always describe any breast symptoms or problems that you are having to the technologist who is doing the mammogram. Be prepared to describe any medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk — such as prior surgery, hormone use, or family or personal history of breast cancer. Also discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor or nurse before having a mammogram.• If you do not hear from your doctor within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram result was normal. Call your doctor or the facility.Source: American Cancer Society