Breast Cancer Screening Tests 

Expert Quote

"A screening test tries to find a disease before there are any symptoms. With breast cancer, there's a misconception that if you feel fine, don't have a lump, and have no family history of breast cancer, you're okay. The truth is that three-quarters of the women in whom we find breast cancer have no risk factors. So screening is important for everyone."

-- Susan Greenstein Orel, M.D.

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 way to find 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. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. However, breast cancer rates are increasing among young women and black women, who are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race or ethnic group. 

Watch this video to learn the lastest breast cancer screening recommendations presented by Breast surgeons Katherine Yao, MD, FACS and Ingrid Lizarraga, MBBS, FACS of the Amercian College of Surgeons.

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam (CBE) is a physical exam done by a health care provider. It is often done during your regular medical check-up. A CBE should be performed by a health care provider well trained in the technique (this may be a physician, nurse practitioner or other medical staff)

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). 

 Watch this video to learn how to correctly perform a breast self-exam (BSE).

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. At the 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 mammograms regularly.

Where Can I Go to Get Screened?

You can get screened for breast cancer at a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor’s office. They can help you schedule an appointment.

Most health insurance plans are required to cover mammograms every one to two years for women beginning at age 40 with no out-of-pocket cost (like a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance).

Are you worried about the cost? CDC offers free or low-cost mammograms.Find out if you qualify.