Breast Screening Recommendations
The experts at the Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program suggest the following screening recommendations for women without symptoms or a family history of breast cancer:
| Perform a breast self-examination |
Monthly |
| Visit your doctor for a clinical breast examination |
Annually |
| Have a screening mammogram |
Annually, beginning at age 40 |
Breast Screening Definitions
Clinical breast exam
A clinical breast exam is thorough physical examination of the breasts by health care specialist.
Screening mammogram
Mammograms can often detect breast cancer before it can be felt.
A screening mammogram can show small deposits of calcium in the breast. Although most calcium deposits are noncancerous (benign), a cluster of very tiny specks of calcium — called microcalcifications — may be an early sign of cancer.
Diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is for women who are experiencing symptoms of breast cancer or following a breast biopsy or breast cancer surgery.