Breast Health: Screening and Self-Care

Guide to breast health, screening recommendations, and what to know about common breast conditions.

10 min readLast updated: 2026-02-17

Quick Facts

Incidence
Breast cancer is most common cancer in women
Survival
5-year survival rate exceeds 90% overall
Screening
Reduces breast cancer mortality by 15-20%

Overview: Breast Health and Screening

Regular breast health maintenance and appropriate screening save lives through early detection. Breast cancer risk varies based on age, family history, hormonal factors, and lifestyle. Understanding your personal risk guides screening decisions .

Most breast changes are benign. Understanding normal breast tissue characteristics and recognizing changes helps identify potential concerns early.

Key Information
Breast cancer screening includes mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-awareness. Recommendations vary by age, risk factors, and individual preference.

Screening Recommendations

Women age 40-44 should have opportunity to begin annual screening. Women 45-54 are advised to get annual mammography. Women 55+ can transition to biennial screening. Baseline mammography establishes comparison images for future screening.

Understanding Mammography

Standard mammography compresses breast tissue using X-rays. Digital mammography may improve detection in younger women or dense breast tissue. Supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI may benefit women with dense breast tissue or high risk.

Warning
Report new breast changes, including dimpling, discharge, pain, or unusual lumps, to your healthcare provider promptly. Most changes are benign, but evaluation is important.
Clinical Note
Breast self-awareness—knowing your normal breast appearance and feel—aids early detection more than prescribed self-examination . For women with high genetic risk or significant family history, genetic counseling and testing may be appropriate. Risk-reducing medications or surveillance strategies can be discussed with your provider.

Breast Health Lifestyle

Regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and adequate sleep support breast health. Some studies suggest reduced risk with physical activity and breastfeeding when possible.

Sources

  1. [1]American Cancer Society. "Breast Cancer Screening 2017." CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2017.
  2. [2]Melnikow J et al.. "Supplemental Screening in Dense Breast Tissue." Annals of Internal Medicine, 2019.

Medically reviewed by

Medical Review Team, Oncology

Last updated: 2026-02-17Sources: 2

The content on Medical Atlas is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.