Early detection is a life saver.
Early detection is a life saver.
40 is the recommended age for most women to start annual screenings. But if you have certain risk factors, earlier may be right for you. The most important thing is knowing where you stand and taking the next step from there. If you've been meaning to get screened and haven't quite got there yet, you're not alone, and you're in the right place.
40 is the recommended age for most women to start annual screenings. But if you have certain risk factors, earlier may be right for you. The most important thing is knowing where you stand and taking the next step from there. If you've been meaning to get screened and haven't quite got there yet, you're not alone, and you're in the right place.
This tool is for US residents. Not in the US? Search 'breast cancer screening' and your location to find local services.
This tool is for US residents. Not in the US? Search 'breast cancer screening' and your location to find local services.
This tool is for US residents. Not in the US? Search 'breast cancer screening' and your location to find local services.
Know what's normal for your body.
A mammogram can find changes before you feel any symptoms. But knowing what's normal for your body means you're more likely to notice when something has changed. If you spot something unfamiliar (a lump, skin changes, nipple discharge, or anything that doesn't look or feel the way it usually does) get it checked. Chances are it's nothing to worry about, but your doctor should be the one to tell you that.
There are real barriers to getting screened, and real ways around them.
There are real barriers to getting screened, and real ways around them.
Cost
You may not have to pay anything.
In the US under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket cost for women 40 and over. If you're uninsured or underinsured, the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free and low-cost mammograms to those who qualify.
Access
No clinic nearby? There may be another way.
If getting to a clinic is difficult, mobile mammography units may be available in your area. They come to community centres, workplaces, and local neighborhoods. Patient navigators can also help you work out the logistics, from transport to scheduling around work or childcare.
Trust
You deserve care you can be confident in
Feeling unheard, or like health information wasn't made for you, are real experiences that affect whether people seek care. You have the right to ask questions, request a second opinion, and find a provider who works with your community. Patient navigators can help.
Cost
You may not have to pay anything.
In the US under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket cost for women 40 and over. If you're uninsured or underinsured, the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free and low-cost mammograms to those who qualify.
Access
No clinic nearby? There may be another way.
If getting to a clinic is difficult, mobile mammography units may be available in your area. They come to community centres, workplaces, and local neighborhoods. Patient navigators can also help you work out the logistics, from transport to scheduling around work or childcare.
Trust
You deserve care you can be confident in
Feeling unheard, or like health information wasn't made for you, are real experiences that affect whether people seek care. You have the right to ask questions, request a second opinion, and find a provider who works with your community. Patient navigators can help.
There's more than one way to get screened.
There's more than one way to get screened.
A mammogram is where most women start. Depending on your risk or breast density, your doctor may recommend additional tests alongside it. What to ask your doctor before booking
A mammogram is where most women start. Depending on your risk or breast density, your doctor may recommend additional tests alongside it. What to ask your doctor before booking
Clinical Exam
A quick, hands-on check.
Your doctor feels for anything unusual during your regular checkup. Non-invasive and important, but not a replacement for a mammogram.
Clinical Exam
A quick, hands-on check.
Your doctor feels for anything unusual during your regular checkup. Non-invasive and important, but not a replacement for a mammogram.
Mammogram
The standard annual screening to start at 40.
A specialised X-ray that spots changes before you can feel them. Most are now done in 3D for a clearer, more detailed picture.
Mammogram
The standard annual screening to start at 40.
A specialised X-ray that spots changes before you can feel them. Most are now done in 3D for a clearer, more detailed picture.
MRI
The closest look.
Uses magnets instead of X-rays to catch what a mammogram might miss. For those at high risk only, used alongside a yearly mammogram, not instead of one.
MRI
The closest look.
Uses magnets instead of X-rays to catch what a mammogram might miss. For those at high risk only, used alongside a yearly mammogram, not instead of one.
What to know about your mammogram.
What to know about your mammogram.
Before your appointment
Skip deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, or powder on or near your chest that day. These can show up on the scan.
Wear a top and separate bottoms rather than a dress. You'll only need to undress from the waist up.
If you've had a mammogram elsewhere, bring or send your previous images so the radiologist can compare.
Schedule a few days after your period if your breasts tend to be tender beforehand. No period? Any day works.
Write down any questions before you go.
How it works
During the appointment
Your breasts will be placed on a flat surface and compressed briefly while the image is taken. The compression lasts a few seconds. Most women find it uncomfortable but not painful, a bit like getting your blood pressure taken. The whole appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
How it works
During the appointment
Your breasts will be placed on a flat surface and compressed briefly while the image is taken. The compression lasts a few seconds. Most women find it uncomfortable but not painful, a bit like getting your blood pressure taken. The whole appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Next Steps
After the appointment
Results typically come back within a few days to a week. If you're called back for more images, try not to worry. It's very common and usually means the radiologist needs a better angle. Most callbacks are not a sign of cancer.
Next Steps
After the appointment
Results typically come back within a few days to a week. If you're called back for more images, try not to worry. It's very common and usually means the radiologist needs a better angle. Most callbacks are not a sign of cancer.
Keep in mind
If you have dense breasts
About half of all women have dense breast tissue. If your results mention this, ask your doctor whether additional screening such as an ultrasound or MRI is recommended. Dense tissue can make it harder to detect changes on a standard mammogram.
Keep in mind
If you have dense breasts
About half of all women have dense breast tissue. If your results mention this, ask your doctor whether additional screening such as an ultrasound or MRI is recommended. Dense tissue can make it harder to detect changes on a standard mammogram.
Ready to schedule your screening?
Ready to schedule your screening?
Find a location near you to book now. Not quite yet? Set a reminder and we'll be in touch when it's time.
Find a location near you to book now. Not quite yet? Set a reminder and we'll be in touch when it's time.