Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. in 2024.
What is breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening is a way to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. The goal of screening is to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be curable.
What are the different types of breast cancer screening tests?
There are two main types of breast cancer screening tests:
- Mammograms: X-rays of the breast that can find tumors and other changes that may be cancer.
- Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more sensitive test than mammography, but it is also more expensive and is usually used in women at high risk for breast cancer.
Who should get breast cancer screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer begin getting mammograms every year starting at age 40. Women at high risk for breast cancer may need to start screening earlier and get mammograms more often.
What are the benefits of breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be curable. Screening can also help reduce the number of women who die from breast cancer.
What are the risks of breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening can have some risks, including:
- False positives: A mammogram may find a change in the breast that looks like cancer, but is not. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety.
- Radiation exposure: Mammograms use X-rays, which expose women to a small amount of radiation. The risk of radiation exposure is very small, but it is something to be aware of.
- Overdiagnosis: Screening can sometimes find breast cancers that would not have caused any problems if they had not been found. This can lead to unnecessary treatment.
How can I decide if breast cancer screening is right for me?
Deciding whether or not to get breast cancer screening is a personal decision. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening and decide together if it’s right for you.
If I get a breast cancer screening test, what happens next?
If your breast cancer screening test shows a change in your breast, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have breast cancer.
If I’m diagnosed with breast cancer, what are my treatment options?
There are a variety of treatment options for breast cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The best treatment option for you will depend on the stage of your cancer and your individual circumstances.
