The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly breast mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier if you’re high risk. There are different screenings to test for early stage breast cancer.
Regular breast cancer screenings are an important tool that can detect breast cancer years before symptoms develop.
Early detection is key. Survival rates are much higher when breast cancer is detected and treated during early stages.
This article looks at screening methods and recommendations and what to do next if a screening detects something.
Breast cancer is much easier to treat and has much better survival rates when caught in its early stages. That’s why getting regular screenings is an important part of women’s healthcare.
According to the
| Age | Recommendations |
| between 40 and 44 years | option to start annual mammograms |
| between 45 and 54 years | strongly encouraged to have an annual mammogram |
| over 55 years | encouraged to have a mammogram every 2 years, but can opt for an annual mammogram |
Women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer are strongly encouraged to have screenings more often, beginning earlier than age 40. If your lifetime risk is at this level, you’re also eligible for breast MRI screening.
Talk with a doctor for more information about your individual risk factors and to determine an appropriate screening plan.
Breast cancer lumps are detected through multiple types of screenings.
Self-checks
Self-checks can help you remain familiar with the typical shape, weight, and texture of your breasts to be better able to notice any changes.
If you do notice any changes, such as hard lumps, talk with your doctor immediately.
Clinical breast examination
There are no set recommendations for how often to schedule clinical breast examinations. They can be used to detect irregularities or check for any concerns.
A clinical breast examination is a good time to ask questions about your personal breast cancer risk and early detection.
Mammograms
A mammogram is a low dose X-ray. Mammograms can find cancer years before someone has any symptoms. It
Early detection means the cancer is identified when it can be treated more easily and successfully. Regular mammograms are a highly effective early detection screening method.
However, not every breast tissue abnormality a mammogram identifies is cancer, and you’ll likely need
3D mammography
3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) is a newer type of mammogram technology. 3D mammography produces clearer images than traditional mammograms.
- detects more cancers
- requires less follow-up imaging
- is a better diagnostic test for dense breast tissue
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM)
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is also a newer type of mammogram technology that uses X-rays to image your breast. It does expose you to some radiation.
CEM involves injecting an iodine-based contrast material into your vein. This helps create a clearer image of malignant breast tumors, even if you have dense breast tissue.
Some research suggests that it may improve sensitivity and specificity in people with dense breasts compared to digital mammography alone or mammography and ultrasound.
Ultrasound
Breast ultrasounds use soundwaves to create images of the inside of breasts. They can
Breast ultrasounds can also help tell the difference between various types of growth and changes. For instance, an ultrasound can detect the difference between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass.
Ultrasounds might be used to reexamine an area on a mammogram that couldn’t be fully identified. They may also be used to look for lumps that can be felt but weren’t seen on the mammogram.
MRI
A breast MRI gives a clearer picture of the inside of the breast. It might spot cancers that a mammogram misses. That’s why it’s
However, MRIs can also detect changes that are not cancerous. This can lead to unneeded tests and biopsies. Those who are at average risk for breast cancer don’t generally have breast MRIs.
The next steps after a breast cancer screening depend on your results.
A screening that detects something doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. In some instances, the image may have been unclear. In other cases, you could have a cyst or noncancerous mass.
Healthcare professionals typically order a second mammogram that will focus on the area of concern. They might also order an ultrasound or MRI to examine any abnormal findings more closely.
These diagnostic tests will let doctors know if further testing is still needed. Sometimes the diagnostic tests will show that your screening results are nothing to worry about.
In some instances, the tests might confirm an abnormality that needs additional testing. In this case, your healthcare team will order a biopsy to check for cancer cells.
A biopsy result might indicate that no cancer was found or that you need to move forward with cancer treatment.
Even if the results of your screening are clear, you might still want to talk with your doctor about your risk for breast cancer.
Regular breast cancer screenings can detect cancer at early stages when it’s much easier to treat and cure. That’s why getting a yearly mammogram starting around age 40 is an important part of breast healthcare.
However, those who are at an increased risk for breast cancer are advised to start breast cancer screenings earlier and to have a yearly breast MRI in addition to a mammogram. This includes those who:
- are at high genetic risk of breast cancer
- have a family history of breast cancer
- have received radiation treatments to their chest
- have certain genetic conditions
If you’re not sure which early screening recommendations to follow, it’s important to talk with a doctor or another healthcare professional. They can help determine the proper screening recommendations based on your specific situation.