A Guide to Breast Health

Getting to know your body is an important way to take care of your breast health. What’s normal for one person may not be normal for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with your own breasts so you can spot small changes.

When you see changes in your breasts’ skin, size, or shape, tell your healthcare provider right away.

Getting a breast screening every year can catch breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. The most accurate screening method for finding breast cancer early is a mammogram.

At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), our breast cancer specialists provide a full range of breast health services. We offer prevention, diagnosis, care, and support. At MSK, we know breast cancer is a treatable and often curable disease.

MSK Direct is a benefit that gives you guided access to expert cancer care. We provide resources and support throughout your care experience.

Learn more about MSK Direct

Schedule a mammogram

To schedule your mammogram appointment at any of our locations, call the MSK Direct phone line at 833-986-2010. 

Or you can talk with your doctor or contact your health plan about getting your mammogram.

What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening exams can find cancer at an early stage, when it’s easier to treat. MSK’s breast imaging experts recommend the screening guidelines below, which are designed to save the most lives. 

Most breast cancers are in people who were assigned female at birth. However, people of all genders can get breast cancer. For example, if you are a transgender man or a nonbinary person, you can still be at risk. This is true even if you had top surgery. People assigned male at birth also can get breast cancer. 

When should you be screened?

 

Age 20 or older
  • Become familiar with how your breasts look and feel. 
Age 25 or older  
Age 40 or older 
  • Start mammograms or tomosynthesis (3D mammogram screening) every year.  
  • Ultrasound or more screening tests may be recommended for women with dense breast tissue.
A family history of breast cancer
  • Start mammograms or tomosynthesis no later than 10 years before the youngest age that a close blood relative was diagnosed with cancer. Do not start earlier than age 25. Consider adding other screenings exams, such as ultrasound and MRI. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you. 
What is my risk for breast cancer?
  • Many things can raise your risk for getting breast cancer. They include your age, family history, and genetic changes (mutations or variants).  
  • If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may be eligible for genetic testing and counseling. You can learn about helpful cancer risk and medical management recommendations. Learn more.
  • Knowing your risk for getting breast cancer will help you decide when screening is right for you. Ask your healthcare provider about your risk of getting breast cancer anytime. This is called your lifetime risk.    

    Your lifetime risk tells us if you have an average, intermediate, or high risk for getting breast cancer. Based on your risk level, MSK has guidelines for the timing and type of screening you should have.

 

If you have questions about when you should start having mammograms, talk to your doctor. Learn more.

Watch this webinar to learn more about the importance of breast cancer screening.

MSK’s RISE Program
Our experts offer risk assessment and personal breast cancer screening plans for women and men at higher risk.
Learn more
Should I get screened?
Take this 5-minute health survey to get personal screening recommendations and advice on how to lower your risk for cancer.
Take the quiz 
Illustration of woman running

Illustration of woman running.

How exercise can help lower your risk for breast cancer

Immune system

Exercise can make your immune system stronger. This can help lower your risk for cancer.

Hormone levels

Exercise may lower your estrogen level. A lower estrogen level can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise can have a powerful effect on your physical and emotional well-being.

Inflammation 

Exercise can help reduce long-term inflammation (swelling) in your body. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to cancer.

Get to know your breasts

A breast self-exam (BSE) is a way to get familiar with your breasts and check for any changes.

You can do a BSE once a month, a few times a year, or not at all. If you choose not to do BSEs, you should still make sure you know how your normal breasts look and feel.

We recommend all women ages 25 or older practice breast self-awareness.

You can become familiar with your breasts at any time. But if you still menstruate (have your period), it’s best to wait until a few days after it ends. Your breasts will no longer be swollen or tender.  

Start your self-exam

Breast self-exam in front of mirror

Illustration of a breast self-exam in front of mirror.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Many breast cancers are found during routine breast screening exams, such as mammograms. Screening may find cancer even when you have no signs of the disease.

On your own, you may notice symptoms that turn out to be a problem. See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • A lump or thickness in or near your breast or under your arm
  • Swelling or shrinking that you cannot explain, especially on only one side of your breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of your breast
  • Nipple discharge (fluid) other than breast milk that comes out without squeezing the nipple
  • Breast skin changes, such as redness, flaking, thickening, or pitting that looks like the skin of an orange
  • A nipple that’s inverted (sunken), red, thick, or scaly

Men can get breast cancer, too

Here are the most common risk factors linked to male breast cancer:

  • Age
  • Exposure to higher levels of the hormone estrogen as compared to the male hormone androgen
  • Exposure to radiation
  • A family history of female or male breast cancer 

Some men are at higher risk for breast cancer because of genetic mutations. This includes mutations in the BRCA genes. For those men, we recommend starting self-exams at age 35. 

Learn more about male breast cancer

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