Breast Cancer Screening: Why It's Worth It

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it's also one that can be caught early and treated successfully if it's found in its early stages. That's why breast cancer screening is so important.

What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening is a set of tests that are used to find breast cancer in people who don't have any symptoms. The two main types of breast cancer screening tests are:

Mammograms
Clinical breast exams

Mammograms are X-rays of the breast that can find breast cancer even before it can be felt. Clinical breast exams are physical exams of the breast that are performed by a doctor or nurse.

Who should get breast cancer screening?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms every year at age 40. Women who are at high risk of breast cancer, such as women who have a family history of the disease, may need to start getting mammograms sooner.

It's also important to talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening if you have any of the following symptoms:

A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Changes in the shape or size of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast
Nipple discharge
Pain in the breast or underarm

What are the benefits of breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening can help to find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Early detection of breast cancer can lead to:

Less aggressive treatment
Higher rates of survival
Improved quality of life

What are the risks of breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening is generally safe, but there are some potential risks, including:

False positives: A mammogram may find something that looks like breast cancer, but it turns out not to be. This can lead to unnecessary worry and further testing.
False negatives: A mammogram may miss breast cancer, especially if the cancer is small or in a difficult-to-see area of the breast.
Radiation exposure: Mammograms use X-rays, which involve exposure to radiation. The amount of radiation used in a mammogram is small, but it can still increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

Should I get breast cancer screening?

The decision of whether or not to get breast cancer screening is a personal one. There are both benefits and risks to consider, and it's important to talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

If you're at average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that you start getting mammograms every year at age 40. If you have any of the following risk factors, you may need to start getting mammograms sooner:

A family history of breast cancer
A personal history of breast cancer
A genetic mutation that increases your risk of breast cancer
Exposure to radiation

Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening if you have any of these risk factors.

Breast cancer screening is an important tool for early detection of breast cancer. If you're at average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that you start getting mammograms every year at age 40. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening if you have any of the risk factors listed above.