Early Detection & Screening

Getting tested regularly is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. In this section of About Breast Cancer, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each of the standard screening tests used today—mammography (including digital mammography), MRI, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam. We also discuss what happens if a test shows something abnormal.

Screening Tests	Screening Recommendations
Mammography Digital mammography MRI Clinical Breast Exam Breast self-exam	For the general population For women with special risk factors
Other Issues Related to Early Detection and Screening
The mammography debate Following up an abnormal mammogram Following up on an abnormal clinical breast exam Low-cost and free mammograms Racial/ethnic issues in screening Quality of screening tests Emerging areas in early detection Questions for your provider References

	Mammography
	MRI
	Clinical breast exam
	Breast self-exam