Mean Girls Star Jonathan Bennett: Breast Exams Aren't Just for Women

Actor Jonathan Bennett has taken to his Instagram account to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having a breast exam at Shin Imaging Center in Los Angeles.

In the caption, Bennett stated, “After my husband had a scare a few years ago and with cancer running in both of our families screenings are important to us.”

Additionally, the Mean Girls star added that he’d partnered with Wicked Good Cupcakes to raise money for the Ellie Fund that “provides essential services for breast cancer patients.” The partnership offers $1 to the fund for each limited-edition Vanilla Sprinkle cupcake jar sold in October.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that a mammogram is currently the best method to detect breast cancer early on. They recommend that women between the ages of 50 to 74 years old get a mammogram every two years and women between 40 to 49 should speak to their health care providers about when to start.

Mammograms aren’t routine options for men, as they only make up about 1 out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S., but Bennett encourages people to talk to their doctors to find out what’s right for them.

Comments from fellow actors and fans alike widely thanked Bennett for the post. However, some discuss the age recommended for mammograms providing an issue for some people. Writer Richard Keith (Fuller House) wrote, “Dealing with breast cancer right now :( well Sarah (his wife) is! And she was too young to get a mammogram…” Another user wrote that she’d been turned away at the age of 33.

Despite the recommendation of avoiding mammograms until you’re 40, those at a higher risk of breast cancer can start as young as 25. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.