Prevention

Breast cancer screening

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center does more than treat breast cancer. We also focus on finding this disease early, when it is easier to treat. Screening tests are done on a regular schedule for people with no breast cancer symptoms. These tests identify signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. Regular screenings are important because the earlier we detect the disease, the better. People with smaller, early-stage breast cancer have more treatment options and a better chance for a full recovery and a long, healthy life. 

You can choose to have an appointment where we give you your imaging results the same day. If your radiologist recommends a biopsy to check tissue that might be abnormal, we offer same-day biopsies as well.

Call (206) 606-7800 to request a screening mammogram or breast MRI. Mammogram self scheduling is only for those with a UW Medicine or Fred Hutch MyChart account. Follow the links below for translated information.

Following the merger of long-time partners, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the organization was renamed to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that also serves as UW Medicine's cancer program. 

Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue or fluid that is examined to see whether cancer is present. This may be done with a large needle or through surgical removal of tissue or fluids. Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue or fluid that is examined to see whether cancer is present. This may be done with a large needle or through surgical removal of tissue or fluids. Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Radiologist A physician who has special training in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are made with X-rays, sound waves or other types of energy. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease. Sign In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. Some examples of signs are fever, swelling, skin rash, high blood pressure and high blood glucose. Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain.

Fred Hutch breast health experts provide screening tests and can help you decide what is right for you. This depends on your age, health, risk level and other factors. The screenings we recommend — 3D mammogram and sometimes breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — are based on the best scientific evidence. We also lead important clinical trials to improve screening. 

Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.
Breast imaging you can trust
Breast imaging you can trust

The Fred Hutch technologists and radiologists who perform and interpret your screenings specialize in breast imaging. Our radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology. They have extra training in breast imaging and exceed national standards.

Fred Hutch is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We do research to improve early detection of breast cancer with imaging.

Fred Hutch Mammogram Van
Fred Hutch Mammogram Van

The Fred Hutch Mammogram Van travels to different locations within Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area. When will the Fred Hutch Mammogram Van be in your area? Call (206) 606-7800, or view the calendar. 

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Fred Hutch Mammogram Van

Location and contact

Call (206) 606-7800 to request an appointment at the South Lake Union clinic or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Mammogram Van. Call (206) 598-5800 to request an appointment at all other locations.

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Mammogram

Mammograms — the most common and most studied breast cancer screenings — save lives by finding cancers early. A mammogram uses X-rays to take images of your breast. With these images, a radiologist can see abnormal areas that may be too small for you or your health care provider to feel.

At Fred Hutch, we use the most advanced technology for mammograms. It is called 3D mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis. We offer 3D mammography as our standard screening for all patients. It gives your radiologist a detailed, layer-by-layer picture of your breast.

Mammograms are the foundation of breast cancer screening. They detect cancer in the large majority of people who have the disease but do not feel a lump in their breast. We also use mammograms to help diagnose breast cancer in people with signs or symptoms and to check the results of breast cancer treatment.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Mammography The use of film or a computer to create a picture of the breast. Radiologist A physician who has special training in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are made with X-rays, sound waves or other types of energy. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease. Sign In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. Some examples of signs are fever, swelling, skin rash, high blood pressure and high blood glucose. Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain.
Who needs a screening mammogram?

Fred Hutch physicians recommend women 40 or older have a screening mammogram every year if they are at average risk for breast cancer. This matches guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers, including Fred Hutch.

This recommendation is not right for everyone. If you are at higher-than-average risk, you may need screenings earlier and more often. Some people may choose to start screening later or to be screened less often.

Organizations like the American Cancer Society and the United States Preventive Services Task Force have different recommendations on the age to start screening and how often to have screenings (every year or every two years).

Here is what is important: Have screenings regularly on a schedule that matches your risk and preferences. Your health care provider or an Fred Hutch expert can assess and explain your risk. We can help you decide on the screening schedule that is right for you.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.
What is 3D mammography?

3D mammography is a way to take many pictures of your breast at once so physicians can see your breast tissue in detail. This improves the odds of finding true cancers early. It also leads to fewer false alarms (suspecting cancer in tissue that is healthy).

Getting a 3D mammogram is much like getting a 2D (conventional) mammogram. A specially trained technologist positions your breast on a platform. They compress your breast under a paddle. Then an X-ray arm sweeps over your breast, taking multiple images. 

2D mammography takes one image of your breast from above and one from the side. 3D mammography takes many images from both angles. It uses high-powered computing to convert the images into a stack of layers, or “slices.” Each layer is only 1 millimeter thick.

With these layers, your radiologist can see breast cancers more clearly and provide a more confident assessment. 3D mammography might reduce your need for follow-up tests of tissue that is normal but could seem abnormal on a 2D image.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Mammography The use of film or a computer to create a picture of the breast. Radiologist A physician who has special training in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are made with X-rays, sound waves or other types of energy.
What are the risks?

For most patients, the benefits of getting a mammogram outweigh the risks. But, like all tests, mammograms are not completely risk-free.

Most breast cancers can be seen on mammograms, but some cannot. If you have breast concerns, talk with your physician or breast health specialist. This is important even if you just had a mammogram that did not show any problems.

A mammogram can also result in a false alarm, showing a possible problem that turns out not to be cancer after you have more tests, like other scans or a biopsy.

At Fred Hutch and UW Medical Center, false alarms happen for fewer than 10 in 100 patients. This is better than the average rate for health care facilities in the United States.

Mammograms should not be painful. If you feel any pain, let your technologist know so they can reposition your breast. 

Mammograms require the use of a small amount of radiation. This level of radiation is very safe. It is smaller than the amount you would get in your daily life over two months. 
 

Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue or fluid that is examined to see whether cancer is present. This may be done with a large needle or through surgical removal of tissue or fluids. Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose.
Does breast density matter?

When you have a mammogram, you may learn you have dense breasts. Breast density refers to the amount of normal, non-fatty tissue seen in a mammogram. There are four levels, from almost all fatty tissue to extremely dense tissue with very little fat. If your breasts are in the two higher levels, they are considered dense. 

Keep in mind that there is no “normal” amount of breast density. About half of patients who get a screening mammogram have dense breasts, and half do not.
There are two main reasons that breast density matters:

  • Cancer can be harder to see in mammograms of dense breasts.
  • Density has been linked to a higher risk of getting breast cancer. (But density alone has only a small impact on breast cancer risk.)

If you have dense breasts, Fred Hutch breast health specialists will talk with you about your breast density and what it means for you. 

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is useful for screening, along with a mammogram, if you are at higher risk of breast cancer. A breast MRI uses strong magnetic fields, rather than X-rays, to create an image of your breast. It can help detect breast cancers that are harder to see on a mammogram. This makes it a powerful tool, in addition to mammography, for some patients. 

Fred Hutch offers screening breast MRI to people who are at high risk. The goal is to help find signs of cancer that mammography and ultrasound can miss. Our physicians also use breast MRI to plan the best treatment for people who are diagnosed with cancer.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Mammography The use of film or a computer to create a picture of the breast. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease. Sign In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. Some examples of signs are fever, swelling, skin rash, high blood pressure and high blood glucose. Ultrasound A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen. A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.
Who needs a screening breast MRI?

MRI is a powerful tool to detect breast cancer early. But it is not right for everyone. This is because an MRI can raise suspicions, which lead to more tests and procedures, about spots that turn out not to be cancer.

Like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, we recommend you have an annual screening breast MRI, along with a mammogram, if any of these are true:

  • You have a lifetime risk for breast cancer of at least 20 to 25 percent. (Physicians have tools to calculate your risk.)
  • You had radiation therapy to your chest between the ages of 10 and 30.
  • You have a genetic predisposition to (meaning, a family history of,) breast cancer.

SCCA radiologists are experts at knowing which patients can benefit the most from breast MRIs and at getting high-quality breast MRI images.

If you are not sure of your breast cancer risk and wonder if you need breast MRI, ask your health care provider or an expert at the SCCA or UW Breast Health Clinics.

Call (206) 606-6487 to request an appointment at the SCCA South Lake Union Breast Health Clinic.

Call (206) 668-6746 to request an appointment at the UW Medical Center – Northwest Breast Health Clinic.

Mammogram An X-ray of the breast. An X-ray of the breast. A mammogram is a method of finding breast cancer that can’t be felt using the fingers. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for this purpose. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Radiologist A physician who has special training in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are made with X-rays, sound waves or other types of energy. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.

Other breast imaging 

Fred Hutch experts constantly review the latest scientific evidence about which screenings work best. We want to be certain the benefits outweigh the risks for any breast imaging we recommend for you. Mammography and MRI are the most proven ways to detect breast cancers with imaging.

You may hear about other imaging tests being used or studied for screening. Examples include screening ultrasound or molecular breast imaging (such as scintimammography). None of these other tests has been proven to save lives. This is why physicians at Fred Hutch do not routinely recommend them as screenings for most patients.

Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Mammography The use of film or a computer to create a picture of the breast. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Scintimammography Imaging test that is used to detect cancer cells in the breasts of some women who have had abnormal mammograms or who have dense breast tissue. A type of breast imaging test that is used to detect cancer cells in the breasts of some women who have had abnormal mammograms or who have dense breast tissue. It is not used for screening or instead of a mammogram. In this test, a woman receives an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance called technetium 99, which is taken up by cancer cells, and a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the breasts. Also called Miraluma test and sestamibi breast imaging. Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease. Ultrasound A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen. A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.

Breast exams 

Physical exams, done either by a health care provider or on your own, are another tool to help find breast changes that might signal cancer.

Clinical breast exam

A clinical breast exam is a physical exam of the breast and underarm lymph nodes that is done by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner (such as your primary care provider or OBGYN). This is typically recommended on a yearly basis.

Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician. Physician assistant A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A physician assistant may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds and give injections and immunizations.
Breast self-exam

You can help detect breast cancer by being aware of how your breasts normally feel and look. Some breast cancers are self-detected, meaning people feel or see something unusual in their own breast.

There is no one right way to examine your breasts. We encourage you to regularly inspect and feel your breasts so you know what is normal for you and what is new or different. 

You should seek attention from a medical provider if:

  • You feel a new or different lump or thickening in your breast, especially if it lasts more than a month in the same spot.
  • You notice changes in the appearance of your breasts, such as dimpling of the skin, redness of the skin or nipple discharge.

If you or your provider have concerns about a breast lump or other breast abnormality, request an appointment for a consultation and examination with a breast specialist. Call the Breast Health Clinic at South Lake Union at (206) 606-6487 or UW Medical Center – Northwest at (206) 668-6746.

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