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.

Mammogram

The mammogram captures two X-ray images of each breast to look for abnormalities. It is not uncommon for the brief experience to be uncomfortable or even mildly painful.

Insurance

Prevention and screening services are typically covered by most insurance plans. Please check to confirm your specific benefits before scheduling your appointment.

Family History

If you have a family history of any type of cancer, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse. If any of your parents, siblings or children have had cancer, you may need to be screened earlier and more often. Your doctor will talk with you about your risk factors.

We’re here to help

Screening and early detection help us treat cancer at its earliest stages. If you are diagnosed with cancer, our compassionate team at Orlando Health Cancer Institute will talk through your diagnosis, answer your questions and work with you to come up with the best treatment plan.

Screening tests are not available for every type of cancer, but our Research and Clinical Trials Program investigates new methods of detection and early diagnosis, along with state-of-the-art treatment options. For more information, visit our clinical trials.