Go Pink

Early Detection & Screening


Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.



In this section of Understanding Breast Cancer, we discuss the pros and cons of each standard screening test used today—mammography (including digital mammography), MRI and clinical breast exam. We also discuss what happens if a test shows something abnormal.



Screening Tests

Screening Recommendations



•Mammography

◦Digital mammography

◦Follow-up after an abnormal mammogram

◦Accuracy of mammograms

◦The mammography debate

◦Low-cost and free mammograms

◦Calcifications (and microcalcifications)

•MRI

•Clinical breast exam

◦Follow-up after an abnormal clinical breast exam

•For women at average risk

•For women at higher risk

◦Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia

◦BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation

◦Strong family history

◦Radiation treatment

◦Li-Fraumeni, Cowden or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome

◦Personal history of breast cancer (including DCIS)

◦Dense breast tissue



Other Issues Related to Early Detection and Screening



•What to do if you find a lump

•Breast self-exam

•Disparities in breast cancer screening

•Quality of screening tests

•Emerging areas in early detection

•Questions for your provider

•References