Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know

Anyone can get breast cancer, but it's more common in women. Men can also get breast cancer.

Some things make you more likely to get breast cancer.
 

Things you can't change:

• Your age and race.
• If you have dense breast tissue.
• Starting your period before age 12.
• Starting menopause after age 55.

Things you can change:

• Being overweight.
• Not being active.
• Taking birth control pills.
• Taking hormones after menopause.

Other things that can raise your risk:

• Having breast cancer in your family.
• Having breast problems that aren't cancer.
• Having certain genes (like BRCA1 or BRCA2).
• Having radiation to your breast or chest.
• Having a baby later in life or never having children.

Mammograms are a key way to find breast cancer early. They can find changes that are too small to feel in a self-exam. Finding cancer early means you can get treatment sooner, which can help you live longer.

Here's what's usually recommended:

• Breast Self-Exam: Check your breasts for changes once a month.
• Clinical Breast Exam: Your doctor checks your breasts:
  • Ages 20-39: Every 1-3 years.
  • Age 40 and older: Every year.
• Mammogram (2D or 3D): An X-ray of each breast:
  • Age 40 and older: Every year. Your doctor might tell you to start sooner based on your health history.

The age to start mammograms can be different for each woman. Talk to your doctor about when you should start. The American Cancer Society says that women at average risk can start getting mammograms every year at age 40. You can also choose to start as early as age 40.

How often you get a mammogram depends on your age, risks, and what your doctor says. The American Cancer Society says that women ages 40-54 should get a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older can switch to every other year or keep getting one every year.

Look for changes like:

• Lumps.
• Pain or swelling.
• Fluid coming from your nipple.
• Dimples or puckers in the skin. 
• Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these things.

Screenings can find problems before you have symptoms. It's best to get checked even if you feel healthy.

To get ready for a mammogram:

• Schedule it when your breasts aren't sore (usually the week after your period).
• Don't use deodorant, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts that day.
• Wear a two-piece outfit.
• If you've had mammograms somewhere else, bring those records.

A trained person will put your breast on a special machine. The machine will press your breast between two plates to get a clear picture. It might feel a little uncomfortable. The process is quick.

A doctor will look at the pictures and check for any problems. You'll usually get your results in writing within a few weeks. If they see something they want to check more, you might need more tests.

If you have dense breasts, it means you have more tissue (fibrous or glandular) that's not fatty. Dense breasts can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram. If you have dense breasts, ask your doctor if you need other tests, like an ultrasound or MRI.

You can get a mammogram at most hospitals, imaging centers, and some doctor's offices. Log in to your member portal to find an imaging center near you. You can also ask your doctor to recommend someone.