Breast Cancer Screening

The Breast Cancer Screening Process

Screening Mammograms

Depending on your age and history, it is likely that your doctor will also order one or more imaging tests, such as a screening mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of tissues inside the breast. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show a cluster of tiny specks of calcium called microcalcifications. Lumps or specks can be from cancer, precancerous cells, or other conditions. If these are present, your doctor may request further tests to find out if abnormal cells are present. 

For years, 2D mammography has been the norm for breast cancer screening. However, that’s no longer the only option. Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is a newer method of mammography that provides a more comprehensive and in-depth view of breast tissue. This is because it takes pictures from many angles rather than a single straightforward X-ray image of the breast like 2D mammography. All women can benefit from 3D mammography, but it is especially beneficial to women with dense breasts. 2D mammograms may not be able to detect some lumps in dense breasts that a 3D mammogram would more than likely pick up. If you have dense breasts or would simply prefer to be examined with an updated method, talk with your physician to see if this option is available.

Clinical Breast Exams

While a clinical breast exam is not included in all of the national organizations' breast cancer screening recommendations, it is still a good way to have a professional check your breasts and underarm area for anything out of the ordinary. 

Your healthcare provider will look for differences in size or shape between your breasts. The skin of your breasts is checked for a rash, dimpling, or other abnormal signs. Your nipples may be squeezed to check for fluid.

If a lump is detected, your doctor will feel its size, shape, and texture. He or she will also check to see if the lump moves easily. Benign (non-cancerous) lumps often feel different from cancerous ones. Lumps that are soft, smooth, round, and movable are likely to be benign. A hard, oddly shaped lump that feels firmly attached within the breast is more likely to be cancer, but further tests need to be done before a diagnosis can be made.