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Breast Screenings & Services

The Emory Breast Center supports the screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society, which are listed below. Links to available screening services can be found below the screening guidelines table you see here:

	20-29 years	30-39 years	40 years +
Breast Self Exam	Monthly Report any breast changes to your physician without delay.	Monthly Report any breast changes to your physician without delay.	Monthly Report any breast changes to your physician without delay.
Clinical Breast Exam	Every 3 years	Every 3 years	Annually
Mammogram (average risk)			Annually
Mammogram & Consider MRI (high risk*)	Age to be determined by physician consultation (consider alternating mammogram with MRI every six months)	Age to be determined by physician consultation (consider alternating mammogram with MRI every six months)	Annually (consider alternating mammogram with MRI every six months)

*High risk = personal history of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative on either side, history of previous abnormal breast biopsy results, or known BRCA+ status.

Screening Guidelines

In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended a change to the established mammography screening guidelines. The task force advised against regular mammography screening for women between ages 40 and 49. It suggested that women between ages 50 and 74 get mammograms every other year (rather than yearly), and then breast cancer screening in women over 74 should be discontinued. Learn More. Learn more >>

Breast Exams

Learn more about how to conduct a self breast exam, and what is included in a clinical breast exam. Learn more >>

Mammogram

Women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some breast cancers, they are still the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved screening tool. Learn more >>

Breast Imaging Center

From mammography screening to breast cancer diagnosis, the Emory Breast Imaging Center provides compassionate care using state-of-the-art imaging technology and biopsy methods. Learn more >>

Non-Cancerous (Benign) Breast Conditions

Non-cancerous breast conditions are very common. Further, most breast changes that are biopsied and viewed under a microscope produce benign results. Although benign breast conditions are not life-threatening, they may cause bothersome symptoms and are occasionally associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Management of such findings should be directed by your primary health care provider. Learn more >>

High Risk Clinic

The high risk cancer assessment team at the Emory Breast Center provides comprehensive screening and education for patients at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Take our High Risk Quiz to see your risk level. Learn more >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs) on breast health, breast screenings, risk, and diagnosing breast issues. Learn more >>

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is often first suspected when a lump is detected (either by the patient or their physician) or when an abnormal area is found on a mammogram. Most of the time, the suspicious areas are not cancerous or benign. But the only way to be certain is through follow-up tests such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound imaging or possibly biopsy, which can provide additional information. Learn more >>