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.
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Women at average risk
You’re usually considered at average risk for breast cancer if you don’t have a family or personal history or other risk factors, such as radiation to the chest before age 30 or a known gene mutation like BRAC1 or BRAC2.
For women with an average risk, we support the following recommendations:
- Starting at age 20: Use routine breast self-exams to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts so that you’re more in tune with any changes
- Starting at age 25: Have a clinical breast exam every year as part of your checkup or well-woman exam
- Starting at age 40: Have a screening mammogram every year
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Women at higher risk
If you have factors that put you at a higher risk for breast cancer, start talking to your primary care provider about your risk at age 25. Your 20s are the time to plan to protect your breast health. Your doctor may recommend a high-risk breast cancer screening program or genetic counseling to better understand your personal risk.
Generally, people with a risk assessment showing a lifetime risk score of more than 20-25% are considered at high risk. For this group, guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend a breast MRI every year and an annual mammogram, typically beginning at age 30.
Factors that could put you at a higher risk for breast cancer include:
- A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation found through genetic testing
- A close relative—parent, sibling or child—with a BRCA gene mutation, if you haven’t had testing
- Certain genetic conditions, such as Cowden syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or a close relative with one of these syndromes
- Radiation therapy to your chest before age 30
- A family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Dense breast tissue
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.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
You may have a breast MRI as part of your screening for breast cancer if you have a high risk of the condition or if you have dense breast tissue. However, an MRI of the breast is not recommended for those at an average risk. Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the inside of your breast.Breast ultrasound
While less common than mammograms or a breast MRI for screening, you may have a breast ultrasound as part of your breast cancer tests. This imaging test uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It often lets your care team look more closely at a lump or diagnose a non-cancerous cyst.Breast exams
Research hasn’t shown strong benefits of routine breast exams in the early detection of breast cancer, so breast exams shouldn’t replace imaging tests as screenings. But they can help create awareness around the normal look and feel of your breasts.
- Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam allows a trained professional, such as a doctor or nurse, to check for any lumps and look for changes in the appearance of your breasts. These are often performed each year at your annual checkup.
- Self-breast exam: You can perform a breast self-exam monthly to check for breast lumps and changes in the shape, color, texture or appearance of your breasts and nipples. Do these self-exams around the same time every month. If you notice anything that isn’t normal for you, call your primary care provider or OBGYN.
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.
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Center for Hernia Surgery - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4600, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 2500, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4600, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Terrell
200 N Virginia St , Terrell, TX, 75160
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Rockwall
825 W Yellowjacket Ln , Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 100, Wylie, TX, 75098
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Rockwall
1975 Alpha Dr Ste 204, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Craig Ranch
6800 State Hwy 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - Frisco
15950 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Lake Pointe
7600 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Rowlett
7501 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 220, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 204, Murphy, TX, 75094
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Sachse
5250 State Hwy 78 Ste 850, Sachse, TX, 75048
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Frisco
525 University Dr , Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Geriatrics - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 307, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Frisco Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 405, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Residency - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 409, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100A , Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - North Garland
7150 N President George Bush Hwy Ste 101, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240A, Forney, TX, 75126
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240A, Forney, TX, 75126
Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic - Plano
801 E Plano Pkwy Ste 160, Plano, TX, 75074
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Richardson
1410 E Renner Rd Ste 201, Richardson, TX, 75082
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hope Clinic of Garland
800 S 6th St Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75040
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland
530 Clara Barton Blvd Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75042
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Plano
1701 Ohio Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Which screening is used to test for breast cancer?The most common screening test for breast cancer is a mammogram. This X-ray imaging test lets your care team look for any signs of cancer before you have symptoms. You may have other tests—such as breast MRI—if you have a high risk of breast cancer.
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When do breast cancer screenings start?If you have an average risk of breast cancer, you should start screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a high risk, talk to your doctor sooner. You may need to start routine breast cancer screenings in your 30s.
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When to stop screening for breast cancer?There is no set age to stop screening for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you. Screening is generally recommended for women who are in good health and have a life expectancy of 10 or more years.
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How often should you be screened for breast cancer?Starting at age 40, you can be screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every year. If you have a high risk, your doctor may recommend adding an annual breast MRI into your screening routine along with a mammogram.
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When to start breast cancer screening with a family history?If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to start breast cancer screening in your 30s. Talk to your doctor to see if you could benefit from a high-risk breast screening program to help guide the right screening timeline for you.