Breast cancer screenings save lives
Breast cancer screenings are a great way to take charge of your well-being and gain peace of mind year after year. These routine screenings give you the power to detect breast cancer early, which could be a lifesaving choice.
Why is breast cancer screening so important?
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer—affecting about 1 in 8 women. But with screening and early detection, it’s often very treatable. When you find breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread, the five-year survival rate is 99%.
Most people who have breast cancer don’t have a family history, and many do not have any breast cancer symptoms in the early stages. Routine breast cancer screening catches cancer before there are any signs, so you can get the right treatment sooner.
Breast cancer screening guidelines
When it comes to breast cancer screening, understanding your personal risk lets you follow screening guidelines based on your needs. While most women with an average risk start mammograms at age 40, some may need to begin screenings sooner. And there are other steps you can take in your 20s and 30s to be proactive about your breast health, too.
Start the conversation with your doctor early, especially if you have risk factors for breast cancer. Together, you can review your individual needs and weigh the risks and the benefits. Then, you can work with your doctor to create a plan to protect your breast health through every stage of life.
Breast cancer screening tests
Breast cancer screening tests are imaging tests or other exams that check for signs of cancer before you have symptoms. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests when you have signs or symptoms of a condition, but screenings are performed on a routine schedule based on your needs and risk factors.
Often, early-stage breast cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. With screening tests, you can detect breast cancer sooner instead of waiting for symptoms to appear. Because of this, breast cancers found on screening tests tend to be smaller, are less likely to spread and are less likely to need aggressive treatments.
Mammogram
A mammogram takes images of the breast using low-dose X-rays. An annual mammogram—or screening mammogram—is one of the best tests for early detection of breast cancer. During the exam, the breast is compressed between two plates, allowing your care team to take clear pictures of your breast tissue.
Many of our breast imaging centers offer 3D mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis. This type of mammography is newer than traditional 2D mammography. It takes multiple images in an arc across the breast, providing a 3D view. Doctors may recommend 3D mammography for women with dense breasts.
Benefits and risks of breast cancer screening
Every screening test has benefits and risks. However, the benefits of routine breast cancer screening tests that follow the current guidelines greatly outweigh the risks. These tests have been carefully studied and are backed by data, research and the expertise of multiple health organizations.
Benefits of screening
One of the main benefits of breast cancer screening is early detection. When you catch breast cancer early, you usually have a better prognosis—the average five-year survival rate is higher. You also tend to need fewer or less invasive treatments, which can reduce the cost of care.
Even when breast cancer screenings are all clear, there are still benefits. These annual tests can give women confidence, peace of mind and an improved sense of control over their well-being.
Risks of screening
Tests aren’t always 100% accurate, so the biggest risk of breast cancer screening is a false positive or false negative. It’s possible for breast cancer imaging tests to indicate cancer when there is none or to miss an area of cancer.
A false positive can lead to unneeded follow-up tests, adding stress and expense. However, it's important to note that the rate of false positives is relatively low—especially when considered alongside the benefits of early detection. This should give you confidence in the screening process.
Breast cancer screening for men
Because male breast cancer is very rare, there are no guidelines for routine breast cancer screening for men. However, if you are a man with risk factors for breast cancer, including those with a BRCA gene mutation, you should talk with your doctor about the right next steps for your individual needs.
In general, men are less likely to seek treatment for signs of breast cancer. It’s important to know that male breast cancer is possible, and you should get any symptoms checked.
Locations
We offer several locations for your mammograms and cancer care, including breast imaging centers in North and Central Texas.
1250 8th Ave Ste 650, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
1250 8th Ave Ste 650, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
6100 Harris Pkwy Ste 260, Fort Worth, TX, 76132
6100 Harris Pkwy Ste 260, Fort Worth, TX, 76132
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
3410 Worth St Ste 235, Dallas, TX, 75246
3410 Worth St Ste 235, Dallas, TX, 75246
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5251 US 290 Ste 100, Austin, TX, 78735
5251 US 290 Ste 100, Austin, TX, 78735
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
3410 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
3410 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
310 E Hwy 67 , Duncanville, TX, 75137
310 E Hwy 67 , Duncanville, TX, 75137
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX, 75061
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX, 75061
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2380 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
2380 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2727 E Lemmon Ave , Dallas, TX, 75204
2727 E Lemmon Ave , Dallas, TX, 75204
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1056 Texan Trl , Grapevine, TX, 76051
1056 Texan Trl , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 250, Irving, TX, 75061
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 250, Irving, TX, 75061
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
440 W Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Plaza II, Ste 120A, Irving, TX, 75063
440 W Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Plaza II, Ste 120A, Irving, TX, 75063
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5236 W University Dr Ste 2500, McKinney, TX, 75071
5236 W University Dr Ste 2500, McKinney, TX, 75071
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 130, Grapevine, TX, 76051
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 130, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line: