American Cancer Society Guidelines Defined
Breast Health Center
Beverly Hospital at Danvers
480 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
978.304.8101
Healthcare providers at Beverly Hospital, Addison Gilbert
Hospital and Beverly Hospital at Danvers follow the breast
screening guidelines recommended by The American Cancer Society
(ACS). The ACS has conducted an extensive review of screening
mammography data, which indicates that screening with mammography
reduces breast cancer mortality in women aged 40 to 74. Although
mammography has its limitations, breast cancer screening with
mammography beginning at age 40 does save lives. Today's advanced
technology, including ultrasound and breast MRI, enhance our
ability to detect and treat breast cancer in its earliest stages,
as well.
Following are the ACS Recommendations for Early Breast Cancer
Detection *.
- Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every
year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good
health.
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam
(CBE) as part of their regular health exam by a health
professional, preferably every 3 years.
- After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health
professional every year.
- Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their
20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of
BSE. Women should report any breast changes to a health
professional right away.
- Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose
lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
- Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk)
should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations
of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.
- Women at high risk of breast cancer (about 20% or greater
lifetime risk based on a detailed family history or a history of
radiation treatments at a young age), should get an MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging) and a mammogram every year beginning at age
30.
*Adapted from The American Cancer Society website.
