Routine Breast Screenings

Routine breast cancer screening tests may include the following:

• Mammogram - A mammogram is the best tool available for the detection of breast cancer. The test can often identify breast cancer before symptoms appear. If you are at increased risk for the disease, you should have an annual mammogram beginning five to 10 years younger than the age of the youngest member of your family who had breast cancer. As a participant in our program, our staff will suggest an optimal time and interval for your mammograms.
• Clinical Breast Exam - This is a thorough physical examination of your breasts done by a physician or nurse practitioner. This exam is recommended every six to 12 months if you are at high risk. 
• Breast Self Exam - This exam may be helpful in identifying breast abnormalities and should be performed monthly, about one week after the end of your period. 
• Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Extremely dense breast tissue may make mammography difficult to interpret. In these cases, we often recommend a MRI. Suggested use for MRI is in combination with mammography and is not a tool to be used alone. MRI is an additional technique for imaging the breast, but is not always covered by insurance providers.

Learn more about breast imaging.