Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Diagnosis
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast Cancer ScreeningBreast cancer screening is an important part of a woman's wellness. The goal in screening is to find cancer soit can be treated. In many cases, the earlier cancer is found the easier it is to treat.There are different types of breast cancer screening. Which type you have depends on your age, your riskfactors, and personal choice. It's important to talk with your healthcare provider about which types of screeningare best for you.Types of Breast Cancer ScreeningThe most common type of breast cancer screening is a mammogram. This is an X-ray of the breasts. It's donewith a machine that presses each breast between plates, and then takes an X-ray picture using a small amountof radiation.This can show areas in breast tissue that may be cancer and are too small to be felt.The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that you get screened for breast cancerevery other year starting at age 40 and keep getting screened through age 74. But you and your doctor candecide what’s right for you.You may have an ultrasound if a spot is found on your mammogram and your healthcare provider wants moreinformation.During the test a clear gel is put on your breast. An ultrasound technician presses a flat wand onto the skinover and around your breast. The wand uses sound waves to create images on a video screen.In some cases, such as in women with high risk for breast cancer, an MRI may be used to view breast tissue.An MRI is a type of imaging test done with magnets and a computer.It can show kinds of tissue that mammograms and ultrasound can't. You may need an MRI if a lump is foundwith another type of test.A healthcare provider may sometimes advise a clinical breast exam. This is done in your healthcare provider'soffice or other healthcare setting.Your healthcare provider will move their hands around and over your breasts and armpits. This will be donewhile you are lying down and when you are sitting up or standing.You may be asked to raise and lower your arms. This exam may help find lumps in breast tissue. Yourhealthcare provider will also look for dimples on your breast skin or other changes.Talk with your healthcare provider about the type of screening you may need.When to Get a Breast Cancer ScreeningYou should get screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every other year starting at age 40.After Your Breast Cancer ScreeningAfter your breast cancer screening, your healthcare provider will talk with you about the results.If something unusual shows up on a test your healthcare provider may want you to have more tests. Thesemay include another imaging test such as a diagnostic mammogram. This takes pictures from more angles toget a more complete view of the breast tissue.You may also have a biopsy. This is a procedure to take a small sample of tissue from the breast. The sampleis checked with a microscope to look for cancer cells.Things to Remember.Breast cancer screening should be a regular part of every woman's health routine. Tell your healthcare providerif you have a family or personal history of breast cancer. Have breast cancer regular screening as often as isadvised by your healthcare provider.What We Have Learned.A mammogram is the same as an ultrasound. True or false?This is false. A mammogram is a type of X-ray and uses radiation.An ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer to make images. An ultrasound may be done after amammogram to get more information.Women should start screening for breast cancer with a mammogram every other year starting at age 40.True or false?This is true.© 2025 WebMD Ignite
Featured in
Find expert care for joint pain, injuries, and conditions that affect how you move at the HPH Bone & Joint Centers.
Watch this video to learn when you should start getting screened for regular mammograms for early detection of breast cancer.
Watch this to learn answers to common concerns about skin cancer surgery.
This video will inform a person why chemotherapy is used to treat cancer and why it is important to schedule therapy over series of courses.
Watch this video to learn why X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may not find the cause of low back pain.
