All about breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells (also known as malignant cells) form in the tissues of the breasts. There is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. Screening tests are an important tool in catching the disease early, when it can be easier to treat. When detected early, the five-year chance of survival is 99.6%. However once breast cancer has spread to far-away parts of the body, that five-year survival rate drops to 32.9%. 

Who’s at risk? 

Breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. The risk for breast cancer increases as we age. Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after age 50. 

Breast cancer occurs more often in non-Hispanic white women; however, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer. Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2 are linked with an increased risk. 

There are factors you can control when it comes to breast cancer risk too. Being physically active, staying at a healthy weight, breastfeeding and drinking less alcohol are all linked with lower risk of breast cancer. 

Keep in mind that it’s possible to develop breast cancer at any age, even if you don't have any major risk factors. Men can also develop breast cancer, though it’s rare (around 1 in every 100 breast cancer cases). 

How do you screen for breast cancer? 

Breast cancer often has no symptoms, which is one reason why regular screening is important. 

Mammography is the most commonly recommended screening test for breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the inside of the breast. Mammography can find abnormal breast tissue like tumors that are too small to feel. 

To have a mammogram, you stand in front of an X-ray machine. The technician places each breast in between plates that press the breast flat for a few seconds to take a clear picture. Breasts are X-rayed from the front and the side. The test may feel uncomfortable, but it is over quickly. 

After the X-ray images have been taken, they will be read by a radiologist who looks for any abnormalities. You will typically get the results within a few days. 

Depending on your risk factors and specific needs, your doctor may also recommend other tests like breast ultrasound or MRI.

Who should be screened? 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that women at an average risk for breast cancer between the ages of 40 and 74 should get a mammogram every 2 years. If you’re at an increased risk for breast cancer due to family history or any other factors, your Teladoc Health care provider can help you decide what screening options are best for you. 

It’s not typically recommended for men to have routine breast cancer screening. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider. 

Most health insurance plans are required to cover routine mammograms, so there should be no out-of-pocket cost. Contact your insurance provider for more information. 

What should I do next?

Schedule an appointment with your Teladoc Health primary care provider. They can tell you what screening tests make sense for you. The team can even help you find an in-person site for your breast cancer screening. 

Once the results are in, they’re available to help you understand the results. They can also refer you to our Expert Medical Opinion service if you need a second opinion. 

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is key. Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider to get started.