These guidelines provide a brief overview of cancer screening
for the general public. People with a family or personal history
of cancer, or with concerns about their risk of cancer, should
discuss individual cancer screening recommendations with their
doctor. The source for this information is the National Cancer
Institute and specialists at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Early
detection of breast cancer dramatically improves the chances of
successful treatment. Regular mammograms, yearly breast exams by
a healthcare provider, and monthly breast self-exams are the
primary screening methods used to detect breast cancer early. A
mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue that can detect
cancer years before a tumor can be felt. During a clinical
breast exam, the healthcare provider carefully feels the tissue
in the breasts and under the arms to check for lumps or other
unusual changes, such as puckering or scaling of the skin. In
breast self-examination, a woman should check her breasts for
lumps, thickenings, or a