Breast Cancer Screening
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University provides breast cancer screening, mammography, breast MRI and personalized screening plans for average- and high-risk individuals.
Screening for Breast Cancer
Regular mammography at a center with advanced technology and experienced radiologists is one of the best ways to protect yourself against breast cancer.
At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, we offer personalized breast cancer screening recommendations based on your age, risk factors, family history and overall health.
About one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. As with most cancers, breast cancer survival rates depend heavily on early detection, which is why regular breast cancer screening is so important.
In fact, women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer have significantly better outcomes than those whose cancer is diagnosed after it has spread. Thanks to growing awareness of risk factors and advances in breast cancer screening technology, many breast cancers are now detected at an earlier stage.
What is Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast cancer screening uses imaging tests to look for cancer before symptoms develop. Most women at average risk should begin annual mammograms at age 40. Some women at higher risk may need earlier screening, additional imaging or a personalized screening schedule.
Screening recommendations are not one-size-fits-all. Your age, breast density, family history, genetic background and personal medical history can all influence the screening plan that is right for you.
Mammogram Screening Guidelines
Average Risk
Women at average risk for breast cancer should begin annual mammography at age 40. Screening should continue until at least age 70 or as long as a woman has a life expectancy of 10 years or longer.
Research has shown that annual mammography can detect cancers earlier and may provide greater protection against breast cancer mortality than screening every other year for some women.
Higher Risk
Women at increased risk for breast cancer should talk with their doctor about beginning screening earlier, being screened more frequently and/or adding breast MRI to their screening plan.
You may be considered at higher risk if you:
- Have certain inherited genetic mutations, including BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Have one or more first-degree relatives (mother, sister or daughter) who have had breast cancer
- Have a male relative who has had breast cancer
- Have a personal history of breast cancer
- Received radiation treatment to the chest between ages 10 and 30
Breast Cancer Screening Options
When it comes to screening mammograms, you have options. Both the technology used to screen for breast cancer and the experience of the team reading your images can affect how early a cancer is detected.
3-D Mammography
This newer type of mammography is performed in the same manner as traditional mammography but provides more detailed images of breast tissue. It can improve the detection of early-stage cancers and can reduce the likelihood of being called back for additional imaging.
Emory uses combination 2-D and 3-D mammography at each of its locations for breast cancer screening.
2-D Mammography
Traditional mammography produces two-dimensional images and remains an effective screening tool when interpreted by experienced breast imaging radiologists.
During the exam, each breast is briefly compressed between two plates so clear images can be obtained. The exam generally takes about 20 minutes.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of breast tissue.
Breast MRI may be recommended for:
- Women at high risk for breast cancer
- Some women with dense breasts and additional risk factors
- Women who need additional evaluation beyond mammography
Breast MRI can detect some cancers that mammography may miss. However, it is not a replacement for mammography because mammograms can identify some cancers that breast MRI may not detect. Breast MRI may also result in more false-positive findings and additional testing.
What Happens if my Mammogram is Abnormal?
An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
Additional evaluation may include:
- Additional mammogram views
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsy
Your care team will explain the findings and recommend the most appropriate next steps based on your individual situation.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including:
- Increasing age
- Family history of breast cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations
- A personal history of breast cancer
- Radiation treatment to the chest at a young age
- Dense breast tissue
- Certain hereditary cancer syndromes
What Are Dense Breasts?
Dense breast tissue is common and can make mammograms more difficult to interpret. Having dense breasts does not mean you have breast cancer, but it can make some cancers harder to detect on a mammogram.
Depending on your overall risk factors, your doctor may recommend supplemental screening in addition to mammography.
If you have concerns about your breast cancer risk, the specialists at Winship can help determine whether additional screening, genetic counseling or enhanced surveillance may be appropriate.
Screening for High-Risk Breast Cancer
If you have a first-degree relative who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, or you have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, you may qualify to participate in Winship’s High-Risk Breast and Gynecologic Clinic.
Based on your individual risk factors, a Winship physician will develop a personalized screening plan that outlines:
- Which screening tests may be appropriate for you
- When screening should begin
- How often screening should occur
- Whether genetic counseling or testing is recommended
The clinic also provides reminders when it is time for future screenings.
To schedule an appointment with one of our high-risk breast and gynecologic cancer experts, please call 404-778-1900.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may benefit from speaking with one of our genetic counselors.
Genetic counseling can help you better understand your risk of developing breast cancer, determine whether genetic testing may be appropriate and learn how test results could affect screening recommendations for you and your family members.
Know What Is Normal for You
Experts now place greater emphasis on breast self-awareness rather than formal self-examinations. Because breasts naturally change over time, it is important to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
If you notice a change, talk with your healthcare provider.
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- Any new lump in the breast or armpit
- Swelling in the breast
- Irritation or skin dimpling
- Red, flaky or thickened skin on the breast or nipple
- Nipple pain or inversion
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Breast pain
Men should also consult a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of breast cancer.
Most of the time, these symptoms are not caused by cancer. Even many breast lumps are benign and do not require treatment. However, any new or concerning changes should be evaluated.
Why Choose Winship for Breast Cancer Screening
Winship offers:
- Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40
- Advanced 3-D mammography technology
- Dedicated breast imaging specialists
- Breast MRI for appropriate patients
- A High-Risk Breast and Gynecologic Clinic
- Genetic counseling services
- Personalized screening recommendations
- Access to comprehensive breast cancer care if cancer is detected
Talk to your primary care physician or gynecologist about your risk of breast cancer and to determine whether you need a mammogram, or call Emory Breast Imaging Center at 404-778-7465 to schedule an appointment today.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are seeking a second opinion, call us at 404-778-1900 and request an appointment with one of our breast cancer care experts who are ready to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Screening
Most women at average risk should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you are at higher risk for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend starting earlier.
Winship recommends annual mammography beginning at age 40 for women at average risk. Annual screening may identify breast cancers earlier and is associated with a greater reduction in breast cancer mortality than screening every other year.
3-D mammography can improve the detection of early-stage breast cancers and may reduce the need for callbacks for additional imaging. Both 2-D and 3-D mammography are valuable screening tools.
Dense breast tissue is common. Depending on your overall risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional screening beyond mammography.
Breast MRI may be recommended for women at high risk for breast cancer, some women with dense breasts and additional risk factors, or women who need further evaluation after other imaging studies.
You may be at increased risk if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, a BRCA mutation, another inherited cancer syndrome, a personal history of breast cancer or certain other risk factors.
If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, genetic counseling can help determine whether genetic testing may be beneficial for you and your family members.
Most abnormal mammograms do not result in a breast cancer diagnosis. Additional imaging or testing may be recommended to better evaluate the finding.
Yes. Although breast cancer is much less common in men, it can occur. Men who notice breast lumps, nipple changes or other concerning symptoms should speak with their doctor.