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View pictures in App save up to 80% data. When should we get tested?
The risk of developing cancer varies from woman to woman, so some need to start screening earlier than others. That said, the American Cancer Society provides cancer screening guidelines that are suitable for most people. It's always best to speak to a doctor to develop a personalized plan, but the basic system is a good rule of thumb.
Most women should start considering annual mammograms at age 40, and certainly start having them at age 45.
Many women can start practicing them every two years once they are 55 years old.
Women should always keep an eye on their breasts and get tested for cancer if they find any new lumps or other changes.
Factors to consider
Some women are at greater risk than others of developing breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast disease, or who have had certain medical treatments may need to adjust their screening plan to deal with this risk. It is always best to discuss these factors with your doctor before starting the screening process.
How does it work?
We have several different ways of screening for breast cancer depending on each patient's cancer risk and other factors.
The most basic method of screening is to manually look for lumps in the breast.We can do this in a clinical setting, but women can also check their breasts at home. We encourage women to do this at least once a month and to speak to a doctor if they notice any irregularities.
Mammograms are the most common option. These are basically x-ray breast exams. We use the images to look for the first signs of cancer.
We also use the MRI test for women who have a higher risk of breast cancer. It is more sensitive than a traditional mammogram, but it also has more false positive results, so we usually use it in addition to other tests.