Q:  When should a woman be screened for breast cancer?
A:  According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, the basic screening recommendation is that women age 40 and older should have an annual clinical breast exam by a health professional, a yearly mammogram and do self-exams regularly.  Women age 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional yearly and do breast self-exams regularly to know how your breasts normally look and feel.

Self-breast exams should be done approximately one week after your period because this is the time in the menstrual cycle when the hormones have the least effect on breast tissue. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines with your health care provider.  Screening may start earlier than age 40 depending on the patient’s risk factors.

Adams County Women’s Health
WellSpan Health Center
450 South Washington Street
Suite B
Gettysburg
(717) 337-4487