Breast screening guidelines

Early detection helps fight breast cancer. While not every lump is cancerous, your chances of getting breast cancer increase once you’re fifty. So think of your breasts and get regular mammograms every two years once you turn 50. And no matter how old you are, become familiar with your breasts and talk to your healthcare professional if you notice any changes. Many women are alive and well today because their breast cancer was detected and treated early. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends the following beast cancer screening guidelines:

If you are:	You should:
40 to 49	Have a clinical breast examination by a trained healthcare professional at least every 2 years. Talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer, along with the benefits and risks of mammography.
50 to 69	Have a clinical breast examination by a trained healthcare professional at least every 2 years. Have a mammogram every 2 years.
70 or older	Talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested for breast cancer.

Screening mammography and clinical breast examinations are the most reliable methods of finding breast cancer. Learn more about the benefits and risks of screening for breast cancer or call our Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.