Breast Imaging - Breast Cancer Screening

A woman’s risk of breast cancer increases over her lifetime. At an early age such as thirty, the risk of breast cancer is only 1 in about 2500.  By the time a woman reaches eighty years of age the risk will have increased to a 1 in 8 probability.

According to the American Cancer Society recommendations, all women should have a baseline screening mammogram beginning at age 40 and annual screening mammography thereafter.

There are a number of  factors that have been associated with an increase risk for developing breast cancer. These include the following:
•    family history (mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives) with a diagnosis of  breast cancer at an early age.
•    first pregnancy after the age of 30, or no pregnancies
•    onset of menstruation before the age of 12
•    onset of menopause at a late age
•    obesity
•    previous personal history of breast cancer
•    genetic changes (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)

Symptoms
Most breast masses are benign, but all need evaluation. Some symptoms to be aware of are:
•    Persistent lump or thickening
•    Nipple discharge
•    Breast pain or swelling
•    Skin dimpling

Early Detection
Early detection is imperative for increasing treatment options and chance of survival for those found with breast cancer. It is recommended that women:
•    Perform regular breast self-examination
•    Have an annual clinical examination by a health care provider
•    Follow American Cancer Society guidelines for mammography
•    Baseline study by age 35-40
•    Every 1 to 2 years between ages 40-50
•    Yearly after age 50

Breast Imaging Services: