Information: Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening means checking your breasts for cancer before you notice any problems. The goal is to find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The main screening test is a mammogram, which is a special X-ray of the breast.

Key things to know

  • Screening vs. diagnostic:
    A screening test is for people with no symptoms.
    A diagnostic test is for people who already have a symptom (like a lump) or had an unusual screening result.
  • Early detection helps:
    Finding cancer early gives you more treatment options and better chances of survival.
  • Talk to your doctor:
    When to start screening and how often depends on your age, health, and family history.

Common screening tests

  • Mammogram:
    A low-dose breast X-ray. It can find changes before you can feel them.
    Most women start yearly or every-other-year screening around age 40–50.
  • Breast MRI:
    Makes very detailed pictures. Used only for women at high risk, such as those with a strong family history or BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations (done in addition to a mammogram).
  • Clinical breast exam:
    A doctor or nurse checks your breasts by hand. Helpful, but does not replace a mammogram.

What to expect during a mammogram

  • You undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
  • Each breast is placed on a flat plate and gently pressed with a clear plastic paddle for a few seconds. It may feel uncomfortable but is quick.
  • Do not wear deodorant, antiperspirant, or lotion that day because it can affect the images.

Other important points

  • Breast density:
    Your results letter will say if you have dense breasts. Dense tissue can make cancer harder to see, and you may need extra tests like an ultrasound or MRI.
  • Abnormal results:
    An abnormal mammogram does not mean you have cancer. You may just need more imaging or, sometimes, a biopsy.
  • Insurance:
    Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket cost.

What if my result is abnormal

The information is adapted from National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer Screning and Diagnosis (Version 2.2025). Available at https://www.nccn.org/ text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 19 Nov 2025 and from OpenAI on 11/19/2025 using “breast cancer screening in plain language”

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