Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

A screening mammogram looks for signs of breast cancer in women who do not have any breast symptoms.  A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows radiologists to look for changes in breast tissue, even before a lump can be felt, detecting breast cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat.

Based on recommendations from the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, Riverside recommends the following screening guideline for women at average risk of breast cancer, and for those at high risk for breast cancer.

Women who are at average risk (without a personal or strong family history of breast cancer) should begin annual screening mammograms (consider tomosynthesis) beginning age 40.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors should talk with their provider about what age to start annual mammograms, and if a breast MRI may be recommended in addition to the mammogram.

You may be considered high risk if you:

• Have a personal or strong family history of breast cancer
• Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (based on having had genetic testing)
• Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
• Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years
• Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

Schedule a mammogram on MyChart or call our Central Scheduling Office Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On the Peninsula, Williamsburg, Gloucester and Smithfield call 757-989-8830, option 2. On the Eastern Shore call 757-302-2102 option 2.

Being able to spot changes in your breasts is key for detecting breast cancer early.

The new recommendation is an idea called “breast self-awareness.” Several medical organizations, including the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, no longer encourage monthly breast self-exams for women at average risk of breast cancer. Instead, they teach this new, more mindful method for self-detection.

“Breast self-awareness is essentially learning what’s normal for your breasts,” says Dr. Elizabeth Lunsford with Riverside Health. “When you know what your breasts normally look like or how they normally feel, then you’re more alert to any changes that might need to be checked by your health care provider.”

Once you know what’s normal for your breasts, be aware of any changes that concern you, such as: a lump, a dimple, thickened skin, nipple discharge, or a change in shape.

If you notice changes like these, call your health care provider right away.

Based on recommendations from the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, Riverside recommends women have a clinical breast exam every 3 years beginning at age 25, and yearly after age 40.

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves, strong magnets and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the breast.

For women at high risk of developing breast cancer, a Breast MRI may be recommended to supplement their annual screening mammogram.  Breast MRI may also be used for women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer to determine tumor size,  assist with surgical planning, as well as to detect other tumors in the breasts.

Breast MRI is not recommended for women at average risk of developing breast cancer, as it is more likely than mammography for “false positive” tests results , which may lead to additional testing and create anxiety unnecessarily.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors so together, you can determine the early detection strategy that is right for you.