What is breast cancer screening?

Screening looks for cancer before a person experiences any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have begun to spread.

Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. They also study the things we do and the things around us to see if they cause cancer. This information helps doctors decide who to screen for cancer, which screening tests to use, and how often to perform them.

It’s important to remember that your doctor doesn’t necessarily think you have cancer if they suggest a screening test. Screening tests are done when you don’t have cancer symptoms.

If your breast cancer screening test result is abnormal, you may need further tests to find out if you have cancer. These tests are called diagnostic tests.