Women's Health & Breast Center

Breast Screening Guidelines

Mammography

The American Cancer Society's most important recommendation about mammography is: Women age 40 and over should get annual mammograms.

The scientific evidence is clear: more lives will be saved if women age 40 and over get mammograms every year.

You should talk with your doctor about beginning a program of regular mammograms. If you are 40 or over and are already getting regular mammograms, make sure you get one every year.

The bottom line is this: regular mammograms save lives. Mammography is safe and effective. It's the best way to find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. That's why the American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and over get a mammogram every year.

Clinical Breast Examination

The American Cancer Society recommends that you get a clinical breast examination (CBE) by a doctor or nurse every year if you are 40 or over. For best results, the CBE should be done close to the time of your mammogram. If you are between 20 and 39, you should get a CBE every 3 years.

Breast Self-Examination

All women 20 and over should perform breast self-examination (SBE) every month. If you have questions about the correct way to perform BSE, ask your doctor or nurse or contact the American Cancer Society.

By examining your breasts regularly, you and your doctor can be aware of changes in your breasts that are not normal. Most lumps are not cancer, but all lumps should be checked out by a doctor. If you notice a change in your breast, call your doctor immediately. Even after your begin having regular mammograms, CBE and SBE are still important because mammography may miss a small number of cancers.

Regular screening for breast cancer is an important part of your health plan

American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer:

Age 40 and over:

• Annual mammogram
• Annual clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse (CBE should be done close to the time of the mammogram)
• Monthly breast self-examination

Age 20 - 39

• Clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse every three years
• Monthly breast self-examination

If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines and scheduling with your health care provider.

If you are concerned about breast cancer, call The Breast Center at DMH 217-876-HERS (4377).

302 West Hay, Suite 117A Office Hours: 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. Monday - Friday 217-876-4377 Fax: 217-876-4374 Email: Pamela McMillen, R.N., B.S.N. Email: Heather Ludwig, R.N., B.S.N.

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