Early detection is a key factor in successful treatment of breast cancer. At Penn Medicine, our specialized radiology team uses the latest breast cancer screening technology to provide a personalized, comprehensive evaluation. Our goal is to identify cancer in the earliest possible stage.
It’s important to follow breast cancer screening guidelines. Regular screening helps us detect abnormal growth early, even before you may notice symptoms. To know when and how to get screened for breast cancer, it is important to check with your primary care provider or OB/GYN and to know your breast cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines for people at an average risk for breast cancer depend on your age.
If you think or know you have a high breast cancer risk (20 to 25 percent or greater according to risk assessment tools), discuss your family history and individual screening plan with your primary care provider or OB/GYN. Often, women at higher risk get a breast MRI as well as a mammogram every year, beginning around age 30.
A family history of cancer might mean you are at risk for developing certain hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian, colon, and pancreatic cancer. This could be because of an inherited change in your DNA, lifestyle choices, or other factors. Knowing your family history of cancer can help you to understand your risk.
Download and fill out this Family Cancer History worksheet to help determine if you’re at high risk for breast cancer and are a candidate for genetic testing. You can print it out and take it to your doctor to help discuss this topic.
Breast cancer screenings help detect breast cancer early so patients receive the most proactive intervention as quickly as possible. Because early-stage breast cancer is easier to treat than late-stage breast cancer, the chance of survival is higher the earlier it is detected.
Benefits of regular breast cancer screenings include:
Our radiologists understand the importance of an early breast cancer diagnosis. Our in-depth knowledge and expertise provide you with results you can trust. Screenings at Penn Medicine utilize the following breast imaging technology.
Being called back after your breast cancer screening likely means that there was a slightly abnormal finding that requires closer attention but does not necessarily indicate a cancer discovery. This may also suggest a cyst, calcification, or breast tissue that needs to be reimaged due to density.
If there was an irregular area of the breast discovered that may indicate the potential existence of cancerous cells, a second round of imaging will be scheduled to diagnose the mass (often called a diagnostic mammogram), along with a possible ultrasound or MRI. The results of your test will most likely be shared at this appointment; if cancer is detected, a breast biopsy will be needed to confirm. Diagnosis and breast cancer staging information will be discussed in subsequent appointments.
If the results of your breast cancer screening show abnormal findings, it is important to speak with your doctor about what was detected and your options. No matter the outcome of your breast cancer screening, our Penn Medicine diagnostic experts will be with you every step of the way.
The MAPS Clinic for Breast Health (Management, Assessment, Prevention, and Surveillance) is a monitoring program created for people who have been identified as having an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Through this program, our team of providers are able to offer an evidence-based approach to begin breast disease management, breast cancer risk assessment, cancer prevention, and holistic surveillance.
The MAPS Clinic for Breast Health is for patients who are at an elevated risk for breast cancer who fit the following criteria:
We are at the forefront of breast imaging, offering a comprehensive Breast Cancer Program from screenings to survivorship. Penn Medicine’s nationally recognized specialty physicians and surgeons provide education, care, and support needed to help patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
