Information: After Abnormal Breast Cancer Screening Result

Immediate steps

• Try to Stay calm: Many abnormal mammograms do not turn out to be cancer. Fewer than 10% of women called back for further testing are diagnosed with breast cancer
• Try not to panic: It is important to get the additional tests to find out what is causing the change.
• Gather information: Make sure your doctor has your previous imaging records to compare with the new ones.

Follow-up testing

• Diagnostic mammogram: This is a more focused mammogram that takes additional images of the specific area of concern.
• Breast ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images, helping to differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass.
• Breast MRI: This uses strong magnets to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast, which can reveal soft tissue details that might not be visible on a mammogram.

Biopsy

• When it’s needed: If the additional imaging is still concerning, a biopsy will be recommended to take a small sample of the tissue.
• Procedure: A needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the suspicious area. An imaging scan is used to guide the needle precisely to the correct spot.
• Purpose: A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or benign.

After the biopsy

• Wait for results: Initial results are often available in a few days.
• Discuss results: It’s important to discuss the results with your doctor, who will explain what they mean and what the next steps are.
• Consider a nurse navigator: Many facilities assign a nurse navigator to help you understand your results and plan your next steps.
• Follow treatment plan: If cancer is detected, you and your doctor will create a treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer and your overall health.