Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. If found early, the five-year survival rate is as high as 99%, making following the guidelines important for women with an average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is at average risk if she does not have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as the BRCA gene) and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. If you have a family history of breast cancer or know that you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk for breast cancer, please discuss screening options with your physician.
All women under the age of 40 should learn how to perform and conduct a monthly breast self-exam. More information on how to conduct this type of exam can be found here.
Report any unusual lumps/bumps and skin/nipple changes to your physician right away.
Women between 40 and 45 years of age have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
Women 45 to 54 years of age should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 years of age and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.
Screening should continue if a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
