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Why is it important to screen for breast cancer?

Mammograms are one way to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can find breast cancer before you have signs or symptoms of cancer. In finding and treating cancer early, you can prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.

How should doctors screen for breast cancer?

Your doctor should order a mammogram, which is an x-ray picture of your breast that can help find breast cancer when it is too small for you or your doctor to feel. If you are a woman between the ages of 50 and 74, it is recommended that you should routinely get a mammogram every other year. If you are at higher risk for breast cancer, you may need to start getting mammograms at an earlier age (40 or younger) or get one more often (every year). Your doctor should work with you to develop a screening plan that is right for you.

Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out about what materials and other resources are available. Many health plans offer educational materials (online and in print) about breast cancer screening. These materials can help you to better understand the tests and the results.