Mammograms and Screening Recommendations

To schedule a clinical breast exam or a mammogram, call 216-957-BRST (2778)

Breast Screening Recommendations

The specialists at The Breast Center of MetroHealth suggest the following screening recommendations to support breast health and the early detection of breast cancer.

Screening Recommendations	When
Perform a breast self-examination	Monthly for all adult women age 20 and over
Visit your doctor for a clinical breast examination	Women in their 20s and 30s as part of a periodic health exam (approximately every 3 years) Women age 40 and over annual CBE exams are suggested
Have a screening mammogram annually	Annually beginning at age 40
High Risk Screening MRI Examination	Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors

Breast Screening Definitions

A Breast Self Exam (BSE)

A self exam which begins with a visible scan in the mirror for exterior changes in the breast including distortion, swelling, dimpling, puckering, redness, soreness or bulging of the skin. Find self-exam instructions from Breastcancer.org.

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

A clinical breast exam is a thorough physical examination of the breasts by health care specialist. A CBE presents the opportunity for the patient to discuss any concerns or changes in the breast with their health care provider.

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an x-ray examination performed on an asymptomatic women, not suspected of having breast cancer, for the early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms can often detect breast cancer before it can be felt by you or your doctor. A screening mammogram can show even early signs of cancer. The goal is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms have developed and the cancer has a better treatment outcome. Screening mammograms has a proven 30% reduction in mortality.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is for women who are experiencing symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge or skin changes. Diagnostic mammograms are also performed after an abnormal screening mammogram to better evaluate a specific area of concern seen on your screening exam. A diagnostic exam often includes additional x-ray views of your breast or a focused ultrasound exam in the areas of concern. Sometimes an MRI may be necessary. Additionally, you may have a diagnostic mammogram if you have a history of breast cancer and have undergone previous breast therapy. At the end of your diagnostic exam, you will receive same day results of our findings and any recommendations for further intervention or treatment. You may discover that the additional tests showed benign findings and no further testing is needed and you may follow up in one year for your annual screening mammogram.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS): 3D Ultrasound for Patients with Dense Breasts
Approximately 40% of American women have dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can obscure cancers making them less visible on mammography. ABUS allows identification of small cancers that are amongst dense breast tissue. Having dense breasts can increase a woman’s risk to develop cancer by 4-6 times. When used in addition to mammography, ABUS can improve breast cancer detection by 35.7 percent over mammography alone. Each exam takes approximately 15 minutes. Learn more about dense breasts at Are You Dense?, a breast health online resource.