What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignancy that forms in the breast tissue. It’s the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in women in the US.
With advances in diagnostic testing and treatment for breast cancer, survival rates are on the rise.
What is breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening is a tool the health care providers at The Women's Center use to check the breast tissue for cancer before any telltale signs, like a lump, develop.
Your screening test can’t prevent the development of breast cancer, but it may help find the disease during the early stages when it’s easier to treat.
When should I start breast cancer screening?
You and your doctor at The Women's Center decide together when you should start breast cancer screening.
However, your provider performs a breast exam during your annual well-woman care appointment. They provide instructions on how to perform a self-breast exam at home between your yearly visits.
In general, the team recommends women between the ages of 50 and 74 with an average risk of breast cancer get a breast cancer screening every two years.
For women between ages 40 and 49, the team takes the time to help you decide if you should start breast cancer screening before you reach age 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may benefit from earlier breast cancer screening.
What are the types of breast cancer screening?
The team at The Women's Center talks to you about breast cancer screening options and helps you decide the screening tool best suited for you.
Types of breast cancer screening include:
Mammogram
The mammogram is one of the best breast cancer screening tools. It uses X-ray imaging to look for abnormalities in your breast tissue.
At this time, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer in women.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
During a breast MRI, magnets and radio waves create images of your breast tissue. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from both a mammogram and a breast MRI to screen for abnormalities.
Breast MRIs are not used for women at average risk of breast cancer because the images show abnormalities in the breast tissue that may be noncancerous.
Breast cancer screening can save your life. To discuss your options, call The Women's Center, PC, or request an appointment online.
