Why is breast cancer testing important? Screening for breast cancer can help detect breast cancer before it can be felt, and before it causes any symptoms at all. When you’re able to detect breast cancer at this early stage, it’s easier to treat and even cure. This is why following recommendations for breast cancer screenings can be so useful.

Mammograms

A mammogram is the most common breast cancer screening method. A mammogram, also known as mammography, is a method of examining breast tissue using X-ray technology. This can help detect many different breast cancers before they are large enough to be felt or to cause any symptoms. There are currently a few different types of mammogram technologies available.

During a mammogram, an X-ray technologist will use a machine to compress breast tissue between two plates gently. This can be relatively uncomfortable; however, the whole process will take just a few minutes.

You can typically request a mammogram from your family physician, internal medicine physician or women’s health care provider.

When should I get a mammogram?

Knowing that mammograms are beneficial for breast cancer screening, when should you get one? There are a few basic times when you should get a mammogram. These include:

• When you’re following general screening guidelines: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSF) recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 years old get a screening mammogram every two years. This is a helpful monitoring tool that can also provide you with peace of mind.
• When you have specific concerns about breast tissue: If you are having breast-related symptoms, such as a new lump, skin texture change, new sensitivity, nipple changes, size changes, or otherwise, a mammogram can help provide more information.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI is an imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to examine the breast tissue. This is a different breast cancer screening than traditional mammography, and it is reserved for people who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer (people who have an average risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram, not an MRI).

A breast MRI can show more detailed images of the breast tissue, which can help find obscure cancers. However, it can also result in “false positives” and unnecessary testing and procedures. A breast MRI is also more expensive and invasive than a mammogram because it uses gadolinium dye through an IV to generate images of the breast. This is why breast MRIs are only recommended for screening individuals who are considered to be at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Mammogram near me

When you have a relationship with a primary health care provider, you can get routine breast health monitoring through a clinical breast exam. This clinical exam is a methodical way of checking breast tissue to monitor for any changes or developments. During a clinical breast exam, a health care provider uses their gloved hands to palpate the breast tissue and the armpit tissue, where important lymph nodes associated with the breast tissue reside. Often, a clinical breast exam is performed during a routine check-up, and after, a mammogram may be recommended for general screening or diagnostic reasons.

If you are looking for a ‘Mammogram Near Me,” make sure to check out these helpful resources.

Frequently asked questions about breast cancer testing

Related resources

• Early detection is key to best breast cancer outcome
• Understanding Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Breast cancer