Early detection is the best way to beat breast cancer.
Screening tests detect cancer before it causes any signs or symptoms.
Detection begins during your annual well woman exam, when your doctor examines your breasts and underarm area.
Then there are screening mammograms – the most effective breast cancer screening tool available today. These yearly x-ray exams are recommended for women starting at age 40.
At Virginia Women’s Center, we also offer tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography. This new imaging tool allows the radiologist to view your breast one thin slice at a time – almost like looking at pages in a book. Fine details are no longer hidden by tissue above or below. Tomosynthesis detects 40% more breast cancers while reducing false positives by almost 40%.
While screening tests can’t prevent breast cancer, they can help find it early—making it easier to beat.