Let’s talk about the W’s (who, what, when
and why) of breast cancer screening
What is breast cancer
screening?
Breast cancer screening refers to
checking the breast tissue for signs or
symptoms of cancer. Breast cancer
screening cannot prevent
breast cancer from developing,
but it can help with the detection
of changes early on. Initial
screening can begin with
a breast exam you can do
on yourself or a clinical
breast exam done
by your provider.
Breast self-examination
can begin
at any age. It is
important to develop a
routine of when you examine your
breast; this allows you to get to know
the normal feel of your breast and detect
changes early. This breast exam can detect
changes in the tissue and prompt
further evaluation. Your provider can
perform your breast exam during your
annual exam or more often if there’s a
concern or abnormality. Your provider
will commonly order a breast x-ray,
commonly known as a mammogram,
and sometimes include a breast ultra
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sound as part of the routine screening
evaluation.
Who should get breast cancer
screening?
Breast cancer screening usually refers
to women, but it can refer to men
as well, because men can develop breast
cancer. All women ages 50 to 74, who
are at average risk should get a mammogram
to screen them for breast cancer
every two years. This is based on
the recommendations from the United
States Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF). Women between the ages of
40 to 49 and 75 or greater should speak
to their provider on whether a mammogram
is recommended based on their
risk factors for breast cancer.
Why should you get breast cancer
screening?
Breast cancer is the most common
cancer among women in the US. In 2018,
there were 254,744 new breast cancer
cases diagnosed among women, or 127
new breast cancer cases for every 100,000
women. Breast cancer screening can
help with early detection of changes in
the breast tissue. Breast cancer screening
can help detect breast cancer at an
early stage, improving the chances of
treatment and cure.
When should you get breast
cancer screening?
If you fi nd any changes in your
breast, speak to your provider immediately.
Any person with a family history
of breast cancer should speak to
their provider to determine when it’s the
best time to start breast cancer screening.
Women between the ages of 40 to 49
should have a discussion with their provider
on the benefi ts and risks of starting
breast cancer screening at this age.
This allows you to make an informed
and shared decision with your provider.
Women ages 50 to 74, who are at average
risk should get a mammogram to
screen them for breast cancer every two
years, more frequently if there is higher
risk or an abnormality was detected.
Women who are 75 and above should
have a discussion with their provider on
the benefi ts and risks of starting breast
cancer screening at this age.
What is an advancement in
technology that enables doctors
to detect breast cancer earlier
than in years past?
The development of digital mammography
has improved the detection
of early breast changes, has allowed for
images to be viewed remotely and has
made it possible for doctors to discuss
these images while working in different
locations.
Michelle Soto, MD, Interim Chief of Ambulatory
Care, Director Primary Care at
Coney Island Hospital. Coney Island Hospital
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