Breast Cancer Screening

April 10, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Leah Naghi, M.D., assistant clinical professor, and Susan Yost, Ph.D., staff scientist, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Breast cancer screenings are an important tool for detecting breast cancer early, especially in people who do not have any symptoms. These noninvasive tests (those performed on the outside of the body) help find signs of breast cancer before it may be felt, such as a breast lump.

Early detection improves the chances of finding smaller cancers that have not spread, which may make treatment more successful. Regular screenings may play a key role in catching breast cancer early and improving treatment outcomes.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Different organizations provide guidelines on when and how often to screen for breast cancer. These recommendations depend on factors like age and risk level. Since guidelines differ slightly, patients should talk to their doctor to determine the most appropriate screening schedule for their specific needs.

USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent panel of experts that makes screening and prevention guideline recommendations. Based on the latest research, it recommends various preventive services, including breast cancer screening. The USPSTF now advises that all women begin breast cancer screening with mammography at age 40 and continue every other year until age 74.

Previously, women in their 40s were encouraged to make individual decisions about screening based on personal health factors and preferences, but recent studies show that starting regular mammograms at age 40 may detect cancer earlier, when it may be easier to treat. This change highlights the importance of finding breast cancer early, even for women in their 40s, to improve outcomes.

These guidelines apply to all women equally; however, some groups should be especially mindful about screening and follow up with mammography or other forms of imaging. Studies show that Black women are often diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and tend to have more aggressive forms of the disease. Early and regular screening may help detect cancer sooner, improving the chances of successful treatment. Similarly, women with dense breasts, which may make it harder to spot cancer on a mammogram, should talk to their health care provider about the pros and cons of additional imaging with breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides specific guidelines for breast cancer screening based on a woman’s risk level. For women at average risk — meaning they do not have a personal or strong family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation like BRCA or previous chest radiation therapy before age 30 — the recommendations include the following.

Women aged 40 to 44: They have the option to start mammograms every year. This decision is based on personal preference and discussions with their doctor.

Women aged 45 to 54: They should have a mammogram every year.

Women aged 55 and older: Depending on their preference and health status, they may switch to a mammogram every two years or continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as they are in good health and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

For women at high risk for developing breast cancer — due to factors like a BRCA gene mutation, a strong family history or previous radiation therapy to the chest — the ACS recommends starting screening earlier, typically at age 30.

This group should have both an MRI and a mammogram every year, alternating between the two every six months. A breast MRI is more sensitive than a mammogram, but it is not a replacement. It should be used in addition to mammograms to increase the chances of detecting cancer early.

Regardless of risk level, women should discuss their screening options with their health care provider to ensure they are following the most appropriate plan for their situation.

Types of Breast Cancer Screenings

Several types of tests are available for breast cancer screening. Each method detects potential signs of cancer differently, and some may be recommended over others based on individual risk factors or health history.

Understanding these options helps patients and their health care providers choose the most appropriate screening approach.

Breast Self-Exams

A breast self-exam (BSE) is a way for a woman or a man to check their own breasts by feeling for lumps or other changes. It helps individuals become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, so they are able to detect any unusual changes. While doing regular self-exams has not been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer, it may help identify changes that should be discussed with a health care provider.

Mammograms

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms might find breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful breast cancer treatment.

Research shows that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to catch cancer early, reducing the need for aggressive treatments like mastectomy or chemotherapy. However, mammograms are not perfect — they may miss some cancers or lead to further testing. It is important to understand both the benefits and limitations of mammograms before screening.

Breast Tomosynthesis

Breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, uses X-rays to take multiple images of the breast from different angles. A computer then creates a 3D picture of the breast, allowing doctors to see the tissue more clearly compared to traditional 2D mammography.

This method is particularly helpful in detecting breast cancer and changes like lumps, cysts or calcium deposits, especially in dense breast tissue. Breast tomosynthesis may make it easier for doctors to find potential issues early by providing a more detailed view.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of the breast. Unlike mammograms, which use X-rays, MRI does not involve radiation. Instead, it provides clear, cross-sectional views of soft tissue that might be difficult to see with other imaging tests. Before the scan, a contrast dye is injected into a vein to highlight any abnormal areas.

Breast MRI is typically recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer, along with a yearly mammogram. While MRI may detect cancers that mammograms might miss, it may also lead to false positives, requiring additional tests or biopsies.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the breast. This test may help identify certain breast changes, like fluid-filled cysts, that may be harder to spot on a mammogram.

While ultrasound is not typically used as a routine screening for breast cancer, it is useful for examining lumps, especially those that might be felt but not seen on a mammogram. It is also helpful for women with dense breast tissue, where mammograms might miss abnormalities.

During the procedure, a handheld device called a transducer moves over the skin to capture images, which are displayed on a computer screen.

Thermography for Breast Cancer Screening

Breast thermography is a procedure that uses a heat-sensing infrared camera to detect temperature changes on the skin’s surface. Abnormal tissue growth, like tumors, may cause temperature differences, and these may show up on a thermogram.

While thermography is sometimes used to check for breast cancer, it has not been studied extensively in clinical trials to determine its effectiveness in detecting cancer. Because of this, it is not commonly recommended as a primary screening method for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Prevention

In addition to regular screenings, making certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Eat a healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as being overweight or obese may increase the risk for developing many cancers, including breast cancer. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting red and processed meats and sugary foods supports weight management and overall health.

Get regular physical activity: Adults should engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, like running, each week. More activity provides even greater benefits.

Avoid tobacco: No form of tobacco is safe, and both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of cancer. If a person uses tobacco, quitting is important for their health, and quitting lowers their chance of getting or dying from cancer.

Limit alcohol consumption: Women should aim for no more than one drink per day, as even moderate alcohol use may raise the risk of breast cancer. Men should aim for no more than two drinks per day. One drink equals about one can of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor.