Breast cancer screening includes tests to detect breast cancer at an early stage, before a woman discovers a lump. The chance of dying from breast cancer has declined over the past decade. This is due, in part, to the use of breast cancer screening to find cancer at an earlier stage. Breast cancer is more likely to be cured when it is caught earlier.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING METHODS

There are three main ways to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, breast exam with your doctor or nurse, and breast self-exam.

Mammogram — A mammogram is a breast x-ray. It is the best screening test for reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Before the mammogram, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a hospital gown. Each breast is x-rayed individually. The breast is flattened between two panels. This can be uncomfortable, but it only takes a few seconds. If possible, try to avoid scheduling your mammogram just before or during your menstrual period, when the breasts are more sensitive.

Mammogram results — A radiologist will review and interpret the mammogram. Sometimes the radiologist reviews the mammogram images while you wait. Some women will need to have more images taken. Needing more images is common and does not usually mean that you have cancer. These extra images help the radiologist to have the most accurate and clear view of your breast tissue.

If the radiologist does not review your mammogram immediately, you should get a phone call or letter with your results within 30 days. If you do not hear back about your results, call your doctor or nurse's office.

What if my mammogram is abnormal? — If your mammogram is abnormal, you will need further testing. Having an abnormal mammogram does not always mean that you have cancer. In fact, in 90 percent of women with an abnormal mammogram, breast cancer is not found.

Breast exam by your doctor or nurse — Your doctor or nurse might perform a breast exam on a regular basis as part of breast cancer screening. During the exam, the doctor or nurse will look at the breasts and then carefully feel both breasts and the area under both arms.

Most expert groups recommend having a breast exam, along with a mammogram, starting at age 40 to 50.

Breast self-exam — Breast self-exam is a way of finding changes in your own breasts. Most studies have not found breast self-exam to be helpful in reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer. Nevertheless, some women feel that doing breast self-exam on a regular basis improves their ability to find changes that would otherwise not have been noticed.

The best time to perform breast self-exam is about one week after your menstrual period ends, when the breasts are least lumpy. If you do not have menstrual periods, you can pick one day each month.

Breast MRI — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnet rather than x-rays or radiation to create a detailed image. Breast MRI may be recommended to help find breast cancer in certain situations.