Breast Cancer

Early Detection and Diagnosis in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Early detection is key in the treatment of breast cancer. There are steps you can take to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. The most important screening test for breast cancer is the mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can detect breast cancer up to two years before the tumor can be felt by you or your doctor. Women age 40 - 45 or older who are at average risk of breast cancer should have a mammogram once a year. Women at high risk should have yearly mammograms along with an MRI starting at age 30.