A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
Mammograms make it possible to diagnose breast cancer early—in its most curable stage.

As women age, the risk of getting breast cancer increases. Mammograms should be a regular part of a women’s health care, along with a periodic breast examination by a qualified healthcare professional and monthly breast self-examination. Together, these are the most effective means of detecting breast cancer.

Risk factors for women:

• Over age 40; younger if family has history of genetically linked cancer
• Mother, daughter or sister with breast cancer
• Previous breast cancer

Screening guidelines:

• Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) 5 days after menstrual period or on same day each month if postmenopausal
• Over age 20, breast exam by physician every 2-3 years
• Over age 40, every year
• Before age 40, baseline mammogram; over age 40, mammogram every year
• If at higher risk, consult physician for more stringent guidelines