Breast Cancer:Breast Cancer Tests
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What You Need to Know
Video: Perspectives on Breast Cancer Tests
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Breast Test BasicsAmerican Cancer Society advice
( :37 ) -
Breast Surgeon ExpressA mammogram sends Susanne running
( 1:31 ) -
Fine Needle BiopsyA suspicious lump, a confused young woman
( :44 ) -
Better Tests, Kinder CareFind the cancer early and treatment won't be so harsh
( 2:26 )
What You Need to Know About Breast Self-Exams
Get familiar with them now so you'll notice a change
You know the drill: The breast self-exam (BSE) illustrations on those pamphlets usually show a woman with one arm up over her head, pushing the fingers of her other hand across her breast... Read More
What to Expect if You're Having a Mammogram
How breast X-rays work and what the results can tell you
Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of one breast at a time achieved by placing them between two plates and squeezing them flat. Most health organizations recommend that women get an annual mammogram starting at age 40... Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Breast Cancer Screening Advice from Julia A. Smith, MD
Julia A. Smith, MD, PhD
Director of the NYU Cancer Institute's breast cancer screening and prevention program
Q: Do you recommend that all women perform breast self-exams and have clinical exams and mammograms?
A: Yes, I do. I recommend getting a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 (to compare against tests later in life). Anyone over the age of 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years, and over the age of 50 yearly. Women should also see a doctor for a physical (or “clinical”) breast exam at least once a year. You should check your own breasts monthly. If you're premenopausal, check them as soon as your period ends. Read More
A: Yes, I do. I recommend getting a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 (to compare against tests later in life). Anyone over the age of 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years, and over the age of 50 yearly. Women should also see a doctor for a physical (or “clinical”) breast exam at least once a year. You should check your own breasts monthly. If you're premenopausal, check them as soon as your period ends. Read More
Having a Breast Biopsy?
This may be the last step in your diagnosis
Biopsies are the most conclusive test for telling whether you have cancer, and if so, what type—and 75% to 80% of biopsies reveal that a lump is completely harmless...
Read More
3 Women Who Found Their Own Breast Cancer
"The cancer felt like a Contac pill under my breast"
Even though there's some doubt that women who do regular monthly breast self-exams (BSE) live longer as a group, some women do find a lump that way. Read More
Interpreting Your Breast Biopsy Results
Your doctor will explain what it means
The doctor who performed your biopsy should call you or sit down with you and explain what your results mean. Keep in mind that surgery may be required to get a better look. Read More
