by Susan G. Komen for the Cure

The best way to find breast cancer early is to get screened. Talk to your health care provider about what screening tests are right for you.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and it is the best screening tool used today to find breast cancer early. A mammogram can find cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. All women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns, talk with your health care provider about when to start getting mammograms or other screening tests, like an MRI, and how often to have them.

A clinical breast exam is done by a health care provider who checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes. Many women have a clinical breast exam when they get their Pap test. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at age 40.