Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women. In the United States, one in every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

While a range of factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, early detection is still the best way to improve survival rates. Regular screenings can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat. Here are the tests women should have for breast cancer and when.

Self-Exams

Starting in your 20s, you should perform a monthly self-exam of your breasts. The purpose of this exam is to get to know your breasts’ normal look and feel so that you can spot any changes as soon as possible.

During your self-exam, you will feel for any lumps or changes in texture. You will also visually inspect your breasts for any unusual changes in shape or size or any changes in skin texture or nipple discharge.

If you notice any unusual changes or symptoms during your self-exam, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Clinical Breast Exams

A clinical breast exam is a physical exam of your breasts by a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or nurse practitioner.

During the exam, the healthcare professional will visually inspect your breasts and feel for any lumps or changes in texture. The exam typically takes about 10 minutes and should be done every three years starting in your 20s. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, such as a family history of breast cancer, you may need to have a clinical breast exam more often.

Talk to your doctor about how often you should have this exam.

Mammograms

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. It is the primary tool used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect lumps that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women start having yearly mammograms at age 45. Women between the ages of 40 and 44 may choose to have a mammogram if they wish. Women over the age of 55 can switch to having mammograms every two years if they wish.

However, women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, may need to have mammograms more often and starting at an earlier age.

Additional Screening Tests

If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, or if your doctor finds anything unusual during your self-exam or clinical breast exam, you may need additional testing. Additional testing may include breast MRI, breast ultrasound, or a breast biopsy.

Your doctor will determine which additional tests you need based on your symptoms and risk factors.

Conclusion

Regular screenings are the best way for women to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. Women should start performing monthly self-exams in their 20s and have a clinical breast exam every three years.

Beginning at age 45, women should have a yearly mammogram. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, you may need to have additional testing. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening schedule.