Screening Procedures Screening Guidelines Signs and Symptoms of Breast Disease Clinical Breast Examination Mammography The Mammography Procedure Mammography Results

Clinical Breast Examination

Women between the ages of 20 and 39 who have no symptoms of breast disease should have a clinical breast examination every 3 years. A physician, a nurse practitioner, a nurse, or a physician assistant can perform this examination. The health care professional will examine both breasts for discrepancies in size or shape. The examiner will also palpate (feel) each breast to detect any lumps or masses. The area under both arms will be examined as well, to check for enlargement of lymph nodes.

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Mammography is the most effective method of detecting cancer at an early stage, before the woman or a physician can feel it.

Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women aged 40 and over have a screening mammogram every year as part of a breast health program, which also includes an annual breast examination by a healthcare professional.

Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast, and is used when an abnormality is found during screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.

Preparing for a Mammogram

This website provides general information only. A physician should be contacted if you need any medical advice or if medical decisions need to be made.