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Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis

The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer drops in advanced stages of the disease. Too many females wait until they experience symptoms, like a lump, before they get a mammogram or clinical breast exam. By then, the cancer may have spread and be more difficult to treat and cure.

Having breast awareness is a key factor in the early detection of breast cancer. Learn steps you can take to increase your breast awareness.

Video

Following a four-step plan is the best preventative prescription for healthy breasts:

  1. Lower your risk. A healthy lifestyle is important. Make healthy choices, try to avoid tobacco products, stay at a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, be physically active and limit alcohol use.
  2. Know your risk. Some risk factors can’t be modified and place a female at high risk such as family history of breast and ovarian cancer, genetic mutations, early puberty and late menopause. Taking a breast cancer risk assessment can help identify your individual risk score and risk reduction strategies and when screening mammogram may be recommended.
  3. Clinical breast exam. Performed by a doctor or nurse who is trained to evaluate breast problems.
  4. Screening mammogram. A simple, safe, low-level X-ray to locate any changes that may have occurred from the previous screening.

Perhaps the most important of these steps is regular breast cancer screenings. Medical experts estimate that early screenings save thousands of lives each year. It could save yours.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, start getting a clinical breast exam every one to three years from your primary care provider or gynecologist. If you’re over 40, be sure to talk to your doctor about risk factors that determine how often you should have a screening mammogram.

We offer advanced 3D mammography for screening and diagnostic mammograms at all of our imaging locations throughout northeast Ohio.

To schedule a clinical breast exam with a physician or to schedule a digital mammogram, simply call 877.825.1974.

3D Mammography

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

With one out of every eight females developing breast cancer in their lifetime, many females have concerns about their own personal risk. We offer the breast cancer risk assessment for those individuals interested in learning their individual risk for developing breast cancer, and it identifies females at higher than average risk. Based on your individual risk, your doctor will be able to determine what preventive cancer screening is best for you, the frequency of screening and if you might benefit from genetic testing. 

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Cancer Screening and Prevention Guidelines

Breast Health

Age 21-39

Screening Recommendations
Guidelines
Frequency
Clinical Breast Exam
Every 3 years performed by a primary care provider or gynecologist. At physician's discretion. Individuals should report any changes in their breasts to their healthcare provider.
3 yrs
Screening Mammogram
At physician's discretion for females with higher than average risk and age less than 40.
Discuss
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
Black females and females of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should complete a breast cancer risk assessment at age 25.
Discuss

Age 40-74

Screening Recommendations
Guidelines
Frequency
Clinical Breast Exam
Annually performed by a primary care provider or gynecologist.
Annually
Screening Mammogram
At age 40, discuss with your healthcare provider the timing of having a baseline screening mammogram. Starting at age 45, screening should be annually for females at average risk. Screening should continue as long as you are in good health and expected to live 10 years or longer.
Annually
Screening Breast MRI
Females with lifetime risk greater than or equal 20%, category C/D breast density, family history of breast cancer, prior mantle radiation, or prior breast biopsy with atypia should consider a screening breast MRI.
Annually
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
Complete a breast cancer risk assessment. This may be done at your annual breast screening.
Discuss

Age 75 and older

Screening Recommendations
Guidelines
Frequency
Clinical Breast Exam
Annually performed by a primary care provider or gynecologist.
Annually
Screening Mammogram or Screening Breast MRI
Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Annually
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