Although not all breast cancer can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting alcohol consumption. Learn more about breast cancer risk and options for prevention, including opportunities to participate in clinical trials, from our experts in the B-PREP program.
Many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Only 3 to 6 percent of breast lumps are caused by breast cancer. It is important to be familiar with how your breasts normally feel and have your recommended mammographic screening according to healthcare professionals.
Screening mammography can often detect breast cancer at an early, more treatable stage before symptoms appear. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that looks for changes in the breast tissue. These may include a mass, developing density or asymmetry in the tissue or calcifications. Screening mammograms are recommended annually for women aged 40 or older. A diagnostic mammogram is done to further evaluate any changes seen on your screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram involves taking more pictures to look more closely at a specific area.
For women without a family history of breast cancer, guidelines suggest discussing breast cancer risk and starting mammographic screening by age 40. For women with a family history or other risk factors, risk assessment should be encouraged around age 25. High-risk patients may be recommended to begin screening at a younger age and may be good candidates for additional breast imaging such as MRI or ultrasound. Talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them.
All patients diagnosed with breast cancer can be offered the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing. Genetic testing is performed to identify inherited gene mutations that may have contributed to breast cancer risk. This can have important implications for treatment and may also provide important information for close family members.
Learn more about screening and frequently asked questions about mammograms.
