Breast health

Early detection of breast cancer is key, and that starts with mammogram screenings and breast self-exams. Women 40 years old and older should have a mammogram and clinical breast exam conducted annually. Women between 20 and 39 years old should have a clinical breast exam conducted every three years. Because every woman is unique, we recommend talking with your doctor about the breast cancer screening strategy that is right for you.

Breast self-exam

Although there is some conflicting information concerning the value of breast self-exams, professionals emphasize it is still useful to conduct regular breast self-exams to help identify breast cancer in its early stages.

 

There is no “normal” or “standard” breast among women. Breasts differ in size, shape and density, and often one breast will be slightly different from its pair. Pregnancy, as well as monthly cycles, can also change the size and tenderness of your breasts. If you have any concerns, share them with your healthcare provider.

 

Mammography

Mammograms have shown to be the best way to detect breast cancer. That is why we use advanced technology to produce accurate images and ensure the procedure is as fast and comfortable as possible.

Using low-dose X-rays, our scanner rotates around the breast and captures images from 10 to 15 angles to create a 3D image. 3D mammograms do not require any more radiation than conventional mammograms, and the breast tissue can be analyzed in "slices," similar to images from a computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI of the breast is not a replacement for a mammogram or ultrasound. It is, however, a supplemental tool for detecting and identifying the stages of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

We perform MRIs of the breasts to be able to:

• Identify early-stage breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and at high risk for the disease
• Evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound
• Determine the integrity of breast implants
• Assess multiple tumor locations, especially prior to breast conservation surgery
• Assess the effect of chemotherapy
• Determine whether cancer detected by mammography, ultrasound or after a surgical biopsy has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall
• Distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors
• Provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions

Your doctor will determine if you need a breast MRI, and our team will help you get it scheduled.

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.