Screening
Kinds of Screening Tests
Breast cancer screening means checking a woman's breasts for cancer before
there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen
the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you,
and when you should have them.
- Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast.
Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier
to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular
mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a
screening mammogram every one to two years.
- Clinical breast exam. A clinical breast exam is an
examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or
other changes.
- Breast self-exam. A breast self-exam is when you check your
own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other
changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).
Which tests to choose: Having a clinical breast exam or a
breast self-exam have not been found to decrease risk of dying from breast
cancer. Keep in mind that, at this time, the best
way to find breast cancer is with a mammogram. If you choose to have clinical
breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular
mammograms.
