Breast Cancer Screenings | Baylor Scott & White Health

Breast cancer screenings save lives

Breast cancer screenings are a great way to take charge of your well-being and gain peace of mind year after year. These routine screenings give you the power to detect breast cancer early, which could be a lifesaving choice.

Why is breast cancer screening so important?

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer—affecting about 1 in 8 women. But with screening and early detection, it’s often very treatable. When you find breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread, the five-year survival rate is 99%.

Most people who have breast cancer don’t have a family history, and many do not have any breast cancer symptoms in the early stages. Routine breast cancer screening catches cancer before there are any signs, so you can get the right treatment sooner.

Breast cancer screening guidelines

When it comes to breast cancer screening, understanding your personal risk lets you follow screening guidelines based on your needs. While most women with an average risk start mammograms at age 40, some may need to begin screenings sooner. And there are other steps you can take in your 20s and 30s to be proactive about your breast health, too.

Start the conversation with your doctor early, especially if you have risk factors for breast cancer. Together, you can review your individual needs and weigh the risks and the benefits. Then, you can work with your doctor to create a plan to protect your breast health through every stage of life.

Breast cancer screening tests

Breast cancer screening tests are imaging tests or other exams that check for signs of cancer before you have symptoms. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests when you have signs or symptoms of a condition, but screenings are performed on a routine schedule based on your needs and risk factors.

Often, early-stage breast cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. With screening tests, you can detect breast cancer sooner instead of waiting for symptoms to appear. Because of this, breast cancers found on screening tests tend to be smaller, are less likely to spread and are less likely to need aggressive treatments.

Benefits and risks of breast cancer screening

Every screening test has benefits and risks. However, the benefits of routine breast cancer screening tests that follow the current guidelines greatly outweigh the risks. These tests have been carefully studied and are backed by data, research and the expertise of multiple health organizations.

Benefits of screening

One of the main benefits of breast cancer screening is early detection. When you catch breast cancer early, you usually have a better prognosis—the average five-year survival rate is higher. You also tend to need fewer or less invasive treatments, which can reduce the cost of care.

Even when breast cancer screenings are all clear, there are still benefits. These annual tests can give women confidence, peace of mind and an improved sense of control over their well-being.

Risks of screening

Tests aren’t always 100% accurate, so the biggest risk of breast cancer screening is a false positive or false negative. It’s possible for breast cancer imaging tests to indicate cancer when there is none or to miss an area of cancer.

A false positive can lead to unneeded follow-up tests, adding stress and expense. However, it's important to note that the rate of false positives is relatively low—especially when considered alongside the benefits of early detection. This should give you confidence in the screening process.

Breast cancer screening for men

Because male breast cancer is very rare, there are no guidelines for routine breast cancer screening for men. However, if you are a man with risk factors for breast cancer, including those with a BRCA gene mutation, you should talk with your doctor about the right next steps for your individual needs.

In general, men are less likely to seek treatment for signs of breast cancer. It’s important to know that male breast cancer is possible, and you should get any symptoms checked.

Locations

We offer several locations for your mammograms and cancer care, including breast imaging centers in North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

Breast cancer screenings save lives

Why is breast cancer screening so important?

Breast cancer screening guidelines

Women at average risk

Women at higher risk

Breast cancer screening tests

Benefits and risks of breast cancer screening

Benefits of screening

Risks of screening

Breast cancer screening for men

Locations

Frequently asked questions

Which screening is used to test for breast cancer?

When do breast cancer screenings start?

When to stop screening for breast cancer?

How often should you be screened for breast cancer?

When to start breast cancer screening with a family history?

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