Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need To Know

The risk of breast cancer is real —1 in 8 women will develop it during their lifetimes — but with early detection through annual screening, the disease is treatable and survivable. Before screening even starts, it’s important to understand your individual risk, says Flora Varghese, MD, a board-certified general surgeon specializing in advanced surgical procedures and breast care at Adventist Health and Rideout.

“Your breast cancer risk matters in screening, as does your breast density,” she says. “A mammogram is likely going to be effective for someone with normal breast density, but someone with increased density may need to consider additional imaging.”

Dr. Varghese recommends talking to your healthcare provider about the best breast cancer screening plan for you. “Regular screening matters so much because the earlier cancer is detected, the better the survival rate,” she says. “That’s the most important part. It’s still the No. 1 cause of cancer in women, and that’s why these recommendations are so important.”

She and other Adventist Health providers follow the screening guidelines set by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, which are based on a woman’s level of risk from factors including breast density, age, family history and personal history of breast cancer.

Average risk

Women with normal breast density should have an annual 3D mammogram starting at age 40. Women with increased density should talk to their providers about additional imaging.

Higher-than-average risk

If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you have had chest wall radiation between ages 10 and 30, get an annual MRI beginning at age 25 and a 3D mammogram beginning at age 30. Talk to your doctor about your risk. He or she might recommend an annual 3D mammogram and MRI starting at age 35.

History of breast cancer

If you are younger than 50 with normal breast density and have had breast cancer in the past, you should have a 3D mammogram each year. If you are over 50 or have higher-density breasts, talk to your provider about getting an annual MRI in addition to your mammogram.

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis

A breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but you don’t have to go through it alone, says Satinder Bains, RN, a patient navigator at Adventist Health and Rideout’s Center for Women’s Imaging.

“I’ll be there to guide you and your family through your diagnosis and care, so you never feel alone,” Bains says.

A navigator is specially trained to provide the expert support and reassurance you need throughout your care journey and can help with tasks such as:

• Coordinating your care visits

• Scheduling health tests and treatments

• Managing follow-up care