Breast Cancer Screenings
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York State. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
All women can get breast cancer, but it is most often found in women ages 50 and older. While very rare, men can also get breast cancer
Breast cancer may not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. This is why regular mammograms are so important.
If there are symptoms of breast cancer, they can include:
- Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Swelling in the breast or change in shape
- Irritation of breast skin or nipple (itchiness, redness, flaky skin)
- Dimples in breast skin
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple discharge (including blood) other than breast milk
If you have any of these symptoms, or anything else that worries you, talk to your health care provider right away.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to screen for cancer. Screening means checking for signs of cancer before there are symptoms or problems. A mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
Women ages 50 to 74 years should get a mammogram every two years. Some women younger than age 50 should be screened for breast cancer.
Talk to your health care provider if you:
- Are 40 to 49 years old
- Have a family history of breast cancer
- Have any changes in your breast or nipples such as swelling, irritation of breast skin, breast or nipple pain, nipple discharge
Together, you and your health care provider can decide the screening schedule that is right for you.
Cancer Services Program offers the following breast cancer screening services:
- Clinical breast exam
- Mammograms
- If screening tests find something abnormal, diagnostic (testing) services can be paid for by the CSP:
- imaging, facility fees, biopsies, pre- and post-operative procedures, pathology and consultation
For more information on the Cancer Services program Click Here.