Women 40 and older
Women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram (and a clinical breast exam) every year. This is the recommended screening test for the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is able to reveal tumors at their earliest, most treatable stage when they may be too small for you to feel.

Having a mammogram every year allows the radiologist (a doctor who reads and interprets x-rays) to compare your x-rays from year to year and to look carefully for any changes that could reveal a problem. Women should also routinely perform a self breast exam to how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional.

Women under 40

• Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years
• Self breast exam-know how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional

Women under 40 who are at high risk

• Talk to your health care professional about when to begin screening mammograms. Your recommendation will depend on your personal risk factors.
• Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years
• Self breast exam-know how your breasts normally feel and promptly report any changes to your health care professional

For more in-depth information on breast health topics, including self-exams, visit our online health information library.