Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in U.S. women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. It is becoming more common in women in their 40s.

This is general information based on current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidance. The right plan for you depends on your age, health and family history, so talk with your doctor.

• Women 40 to 74 at average risk: the USPSTF recommends a mammogram every 2 years.
• Women 75 and older: there isn't enough evidence to give a general recommendation. Talk with your doctor.
• Dense breasts: you should still have regular mammograms. Ask your doctor whether extra tests like ultrasound or MRI make sense for you.
• Higher risk: people with a BRCA gene change, chest radiation at a young age, or a past breast cancer or high-risk biopsy need a personal plan, often starting earlier.

• Being a woman and getting older
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change
• Dense breast tissue
• Past chest radiation at a young age
• Starting periods early, late menopause, or having a first child after 30 or no children
• Drinking alcohol, low activity, and weight gain after menopause
• Long-term hormone therapy after menopause

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have any of these, call us. Don't wait for your next screening.

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• A change in breast size or shape
• Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin
• Nipple turning inward, or fluid (especially bloody) from the nipple
• Breast pain that doesn't go away

• Mammogram every 2 years from age 40 to 74 for most women, based on USPSTF guidance. Some groups, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), advise a mammogram every year. Talk with your doctor about what's right for you.
• Digital mammograms and 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis) both work well.
• Extra tests like breast ultrasound or MRI may be suggested for some women at higher risk or with dense breasts.
• We don't do mammograms or other imaging at our office; we refer you to a trusted imaging center and review the results with you.

These tools are used by clinicians. Bring your results to your visit; they don't replace a medical evaluation.

• NCI Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool ↗ (opens in a new tab)Estimates a woman's chance of getting breast cancer over the next 5 years and lifetime. Not for women with a BRCA gene change or past breast cancer.

• Schedule your mammogram for a time when your breasts aren't tender, often the week after your period.
• Skip deodorant, powder or lotion on your chest and underarms the day of the test.
• Know your family history and share it with your doctor.
• Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report changes.
• Stay active, limit alcohol, and keep a healthy weight.

Most mammograms are normal.

Being called back for more pictures is common and usually doesn't mean cancer.

If something needs a closer look, you may have more imaging or a biopsy. We'll help you through each step.

Your primary care team at Moaddel Medical reviews your risk, orders your mammogram at a trusted imaging center, and goes over the results with you.

If you need more testing or treatment, we coordinate with breast specialists and oncology partners.

We're at 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 100, West Hills, CA 91307.