Breast cancer screening
The type and frequency of breast cancer testing changes as you age.1, 2
If you have high risk: Talk to your doctor about how often you need screening if your mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer or you have a family history of cancer. You may need a referral from your doctor to have clinical breast examinations and mammograms.3, 4
- Ages 40 to 49: Your province may recommend screening beginning at age 40. For example, if you live in British Columbia, you should have a clinical breast examination and mammogram at least every 2 years. If you are not sure what is recommended in your province, talk to your doctor about how often you need a screening.
- Ages 50 to 69: You should have a clinical breast examination every 2 years.
- Ages 70 to 79: Your province may recommend screening through your 70s. For example, if you live in British Columbia, you should keep having clinical breast examinations and mammograms at least every 2 years.
If you are not sure what is recommended in your province, talk to your doctor about how often you need a screening.
Early detection is an important factor in the success of breast cancer treatment. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more easily and successfully it can be treated. The three methods commonly used for early detection are:
- Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can often find tumours that are too small for you or your doctor to feel. Screening mammograms are most useful after age 50, but experts in your province may recommend starting screening at age 40.
- Clinical breast examination (CBE). During a clinical breast examination, your doctor will carefully feel your breasts and under your arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes.
- Breast self-examination (BSE). A breast self-examination is a simple procedure to help you detect breast lumps. Do not use BSE in place of clinical breast exam and mammography. Studies have shown that BSE does not help find more early breast cancers.5 It also does not reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer.6 But it may help familiarize you with your normal breast tissue. This may help you identify any new or unusual changes in your breasts.7
For more information, see the topic Breast Cancer.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Ralph Poore | Last Updated: October 22, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology | |
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