Thanks to advances in screenings and treatments, breast cancer mortality rates have been dropping in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), regular screening mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help increase the chances of surviving breast cancer. For women between the ages of 50 and 69, there is strong evidence that screening lowers this risk by 30 percent. For women in their 40s, the risk can be reduced by about 17 percent. UPMC CancerCenter, the region's largest network of comprehensive cancer treatment centers, recommends talking with your physician to determine which screening tests are appropriate for you.

Breast Cancer Screening Schedule

If you are a woman at an average risk, you should:

• Discuss your medical and family history with your physician.
• Undergo a clinical breast exam (CBE) by your physician every three years if you are in your 20s and 30s and every year beginning at age 40
• Get yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a you are in good health
• Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and promptly report any breast change to your physician.

Are you at high risk for developing breast cancer?

If you have a family history of cancer, or a genetic mutation, such as BRCA-1 or -2, you may be at higher risk for developing breast cancer. If you are at high risk for developing breast cancer you should:

• Discuss your medical and family history with your physician.
• Get both an MRI and a mammogram every year.
• Undergo an annual clinical breast exam (CBE) by your physician.
• Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and promptly report any breast change to your physician.

Screening and Breast Cancer Care Resources

Breast Imaging Services

At Magee-Womens Imaging you'll receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art imaging. And the dignity and respect that come with the term "womancare". Services at Magee-Womens Imaging include:

• Digital mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Non-surgical, image-guided biopsies
• Pre-operative breast needle localizations
• DXA (bone densitometry)

To schedule your annual mammogram, call Magee-Womens Imaging toll free at 1-800-649-4077 for a location near you, or visit UPMC.com/Magee/Mammography for more information. (Day, evening, and weekend appointments available.)

High-Risk Breast Cancer Program

The High-Risk Breast Cancer Program at the Magee-Womens Cancer Program of UPMC CancerCenter employs cancer experts who provide individualized recommendations of breast cancer prevention and surveillance to those women considered at high risk for breast cancer. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 412-623-3425.

Learn more about the High-Risk Breast Cancer program.

Breast Cancer Care

The Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program of UPMC CancerCenter provides state-of-the-art treatments and therapies for men and women with breast cancer, throughout all phases of their diseases. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 1-866 MYMAGEE (696-2433).

Learn more about breast cancer care at UPMC CancerCenter.