Diagnosis5 min read

Breast cancer screening explained

Screening means looking for cancer in people who feel perfectly well. It is why most breast cancers are now found early — when treatment works best.

Screening uses tests — most often a mammogram — to find cancer before symptoms appear. A cancer found early is smaller, localised and far more likely to be cured with less aggressive treatment.

How screening works in practice

  • A routine mammogram every 1–2 years from the recommended age
  • Clinical breast exams as part of regular check-ups
  • Extra or earlier screening for women at high risk
  • Self-exams to complement, not replace, imaging

Screening recommendations vary by country and personal risk. The best schedule for you is decided with your doctor, based on your age, history and family story.

Screening over time

Recommendations vary by country. The diagram below shows the usual shape of a screening pathway — always follow the recommendations in force in your country.

20–30s

Know your normal — get familiar with how your breasts look and feel

Age 40

Talk about screening and your personal risk with a health professional

50 and over

Take part in regular screening when it is offered to you

In brief

Screening is for people without symptoms
Mammography is the cornerstone of screening
High-risk women are screened earlier and more often

What you can do

Ask for your personal schedule

Age, history and genes set your rhythm.

Do not skip cycles

Regularity is what makes screening effective.

Keep learning

MammographyAwarenessHow to schedule a mammogramAwarenessBreast cancer risk factorsAwareness