Breast Screening Guidelines

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over her lifetime. In fact, in the United States, a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis every 2 minutes.

For those who are diagnosed, early detection provides the best outcomes and saves lives. With the right technology and the right imaging experts, breast cancer is detectable even at its earliest stage, when it’s 98% curable.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women after skin cancer.
• Women aren't alone. About 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in men this year.
• Nearly 99% of women with stage I breast cancer survive 5 years or more.

The easiest way to detect breast cancer early is by taking an active role in your breast health and making time for your annual mammogram.

All women with average risk for breast cancer should start screening mammograms at age 40. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend patients have a screening mammogram every year. All women should undergo risk assessment by age 25 to determine if breast cancer screening should start before age 40. Talk with your doctor to determine your breast cancer risk and when to start screening.

Your risk for breast cancer can change over time, due to factors such as aging or lifestyle habits. Simply being female is the primary risk factor for developing the disease. Other risk factors include:

• Aging
• Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Family history of breast cancer
• Starting menstrual cycle before age 12
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Race and ethnicity
• Denseness of breast tissue
• History of fibroids or other benign breast conditions

Now is the perfect time to begin managing your breast health. Share the facts and risk factors associated with breast cancer and take a proactive approach to understanding your risk for developing the disease.