Breast Cancer Prevention

Prevention

Finding breast cancer early and treating it is the best way to prevent death from the disease. Breast cancer does not cause symptoms in the early stages. It is important to have screening exams and tests. These steps can help to find the cancer before symptoms appear. The following recommendations are for women with no symptoms who are not high risk for breast cancer:

Mammograms:
- Age 40-49—Recommendations vary from waiting until age 50 to having the screening every 1-2 years.
- Age 50-74—ranges from every year to every two years
Clinical breast exam:
- Age 20-39—ranges from every year to every 3 years
- Age 40 and older—every year
Breast self-exam :
- Age 20 and older—optional; talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

If you have an increased risk of breast cancer, you may need to start having mammograms earlier. You and your doctor can decide on the best screening schedule for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.