At Orlando Health, we believe our communities should be empowered with information, including risks of developing breast cancer and steps to proactively prevent cancer. If you are at risk for breast cancer or have questions on how to prevent it, our multidisciplinary team of breast specialists, including genetic counselors, are here to answer your questions and help give you power over your health.
Screening
Tests to help with early detection of breast cancer are widely available and easy to do. A mammogram has been shown to decrease your chance of dying from breast cancer.
A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the most important tools we have to diagnose breast cancer and breast abnormalities. This imaging test detects changes in breast tissue, which can help doctors diagnose cancer at its earliest stages, often before physical symptoms develop. Early detection means aggressive treatments, such as surgery to remove the whole breast and chemotherapy, are less likely to be needed, and a cure is more likely.
Digital mammography with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT/Tomo) is now considered the standard of care for breast cancer screening. This test not only has a higher cancer detection rate, but also has a lower recall rate, which avoids a false positive screening test.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to take picture of the inside of the breast. It can show certain breast changes, such as fluid-filled cysts and lumps, which are harder to identify on mammograms. Ultrasound is also used to guide a biopsy needle.
A breast MRI captures multiple images of your breast that are then combined to create detailed, magnified pictures. For some patients, this test is used with a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. It also is often used for women already diagnosed with breast cancer to get a better idea of the breast tumor and evaluate the lymph nodes in the armpit.
These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t 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.
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women need to understand that mammograms are not 100 percent accurate. They can miss some cancers, and additional tests may be needed to confirm what is shown on the image.
- Recommendations for clinical, or physical, breast exams continue to be controversial. Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a healthcare provider right away, even if they had a recent mammogram that may have been normal.
Schedule your annual exam with your primary care physician or OB-GYN. If you don’t have a physician, find one here.

Get Your Mammogram Scheduled Today
Did you know screening mammograms are covered by your insurance and take as little as 20 minutes?
With lunchtime and later appointment times and same-day or next-day availability, you can conveniently fit your screening into your busy schedule — and it might help save your life.
With the highest level of infection prevention, screenings and recommended social-distancing practices at all our facilities, we are here and ready to deliver quality care and peace of mind.
Risk Factors
Anything that can increase your chances of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you definitely will get breast cancer. There are some risk factors you cannot control, such as:
- Getting older
- Inheriting certain genes, such as the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2
- Having a family history of breast cancer
- Your race and ethnicity
- Having dense breast tissue
- Having a family history of breast cancer
- Having a personal history of breast cancer
- Having certain benign breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia
- Starting menstrual periods early
- Going through menopause after age 55
- Having radiation therapy to your chest, especially at a young age (for example, if you have Hodgkins disease)
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Some risk factors are related to personal choices, so it’s important to know what they are and to discuss them with your doctor. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will get breast cancer:
- Drinking alcohol
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being physically active
- Not having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Use of birth control pills
- Use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause
Talk to your primary care physician or your OB-GYN about your possible risk factors. Need to Find a Doctor?
Lowering your risk for breast cancer
If you are a woman at increased risk for breast cancer, there are some things you can do that might help lower your chances of developing breast cancer or help find it early.
- Genetic counseling may be recommended to review your family history in detail. The counselor can explain how genetic tests can help and if this is a good option for you.
- Observation can be increased with more frequent doctor visits, starting yearly mammograms at a younger age, or adding another screening test, such as a breast MRI.
- Preventive surgery may be advised if you are among the small number of women who have a very high risk for breast cancer, such the BRCA gene mutation. Called prophylactic surgery, this procedure removes the breasts.
To find out if you could benefit from genetic counseling, take this questionnaire and discuss the results with your primary care provider or your OB-GYN.
Healthy Habits
While mammograms can help detect cancer early, there are other steps you can take to keep your breasts healthy and lower your risk for disease. Studies have shown that healthy habits, like eating right and exercising regularly, can help breast health.
- Getting plenty of vitamin D has been found to help breast health, but it is sometimes difficult to work into your diet. Most women should take a 2000 I.U. daily (a target of 50mg/ml), but be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any vitamin regimen.
- Fish oil (omega-3) can help reduce inflammation and may reduce the risk of cancer. You can get fish oil through capsules or by eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout or herring. Taking 2000 to 3000 mg a day has been shown to be beneficial to breast health, but you should talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
- Many studies have linked smoking to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women. Secondhand smoke has been linked to a higher risk in postmenopausal women.
- If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you want to quit, free local cessation programs are available at various Orlando Health locations in conjunction with the State of Florida’s Tobacco Free Florida program. Cessation programs offer free nicotine replacement products (patches, gum or lozenges) as well as community, worksite and clinic support groups.
- Many studies have shown that physical activity is the most important habit you can do for breast health. Exercise helps you stay lean, which can reduce the amount of estrogen that circulates through your body. Physical activity also helps lower stress hormones, which cause inflammation and sleep problems.
- The American Cancer Society recommends exercising for 30 minutes, five to six times a week. While many studies have proven that walking is an excellent option, any physical activity (cycling, swimming, yoga, Zumba, etc.) is beneficial. You can also break up your exercise throughout the day and still get the benefits. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with breast cancer. Alcohol may also increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA cells.
- Recent studies show that drinking more than three to six units of alcohol a week can increase breast cancer risk by 15%. A unit of alcohol equals six ounces of wine, one shot of spirits or 12 ounces of beer.
- To help maintain a lean body weight and reduce inflammation, it’s important to avoid processed foods. Instead, eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are considered two of the healthiest diets.
- The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, including breast cancer. This diet includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and olive oil.
- The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet was originally developed by the American Heart Association to reduce blood pressure, but it can also help reduce inflammation. Learn more about this diet at DASHdiet.org
Check Out These Free Guides to Breast Wellness
Printable Steps to Improve Breast Wellness and How to Perform Breast Self-Exams – Stylish enough to stick to your mirror, this poster helps remind you of how to keep your breasts healthy and step-by-step on how to stay familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
Breast Self-Exam Guide for Men – Did you know? Breast cancer can affect men as well. So we created a self-exam guide for men.
Breast Cancer Treatment Information
Breast Cancer Treatment Information
At our nationally accredited Breast Care Center, we use the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to support you throughout your cancer journey. From diagnosis to treatment to survivorship, our experts offer compassionate, comprehensive care. Our number-one priority is you.
Learn MoreWire-free Lumpectomy Technology - SCOUT ®
Wire-free Lumpectomy Technology - SCOUT ®
Our wire-free radar localization technology, called SCOUT®, brings a new level of comfort and convenience to patients who choose to have a lumpectomy.
Learn MoreNavigate Your Health


Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Cancer Physician
Meet our doctors who specialize in the full range of cancer care. Our team of experts has experience in a variety of specialty areas. Together, we provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options.
Learn More

Patient Portal
Patient Portal
If you are a patient at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, our free online patient portal provides an easy and secure way to manage your health information. Reach us from any location at a time that’s convenient for you.
Learn More

Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Need to talk with a doctor, but don’t want to leave your home? Try our virtual visit (telehealth) option to connect with a physician from your phone, tablet or computer.
Learn More