Breast Cancer Screening & Early Detection

The most common tests to detect breast cancer are screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Screening tests are used to find breast cancer in a person without warning signs or symptoms. 

What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a test that uses X-rays to create images of the breast. It’s the most effective screening test used today to find breast cancer in most women. Screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to 10 years before it could be detected by you or your doctor.

When does Komen recommend getting a breast cancer screening test?

Women at average risk

• Talk with a doctor about which screening tests are right for you. 
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.*
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.*

*Per NCCN Guidelines

Women at higher risk

• If you’re at higher risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you and when to begin screening. You may need to be screened earlier and more often than women at average risk.

Men at higher risk

• If you’re a man and have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation, there are special screening recommendations for breast cancer and certain other cancers.

Transgender people

• If you’re transgender, breast cancer screening recommendations are personalized and vary by age, sex assigned at birth, personal risk of breast cancer and other factors.

What should you expect on the day of your screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes. Wear a shirt you can remove easily. Avoid using deodorant, perfume, powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. These products can show up on a mammogram and make it hard to read.

Are screening mammograms painful? 
You may feel some pressure, but getting a mammogram shouldn’t hurt. Tell the technologist if you have any concerns or if you feel discomfort during the test.

When should you expect the results of your screening mammogram? 
You should get the results of your screening mammogram from the imaging center or your doctor within two weeks. If you don’t, call your doctor.

What are the possible findings on a mammogram?
A screening mammogram may show:

• No signs of breast cancer.
• A benign (not cancerous) condition.
• If you have dense breasts.
• An abnormal finding, such as calcifications, that needs follow-up tests to rule out cancer.

For most women, the results of a mammogram will be good news. The mammogram will show no sign of breast cancer. If your mammogram does show something abnormal, you will need follow-up tests to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer. Sometimes, breast cancer can be ruled out with a follow-up diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound or breast MRI.

Watch our video of Komen Scholar Dr. Mariana Chavez MacGregor who talks about what to expect if you’re called back for more tests and why it’s important to get the needed follow-up tests.

Diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is like a screening mammogram, but more images of the breast are taken to examine the abnormal findings more closely. You may get the results from your diagnostic mammogram on the same day. 

Breast ultrasound
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the breast. It’s often used as a follow-up test after an abnormal finding on a mammogram or clinical breast exam. It can show the difference between a liquid-filled cyst and a solid mass. 

Breast MRI
A breast MRI uses magnetic fields to create an image of the breast. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a breast MRI as a follow-up test if other tests can’t rule out breast cancer. 

Biopsy
If follow-up tests cannot rule out breast cancer, a biopsy is done. A biopsy removes cells or tissue to check for cancer. A biopsy is the only test that can diagnose and confirm breast cancer.