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CancerSmart Web Cast
March 8, 2007 -- Larry Norton, Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs presents, "Advances in the Prevention and Care of Breast Cancer."
Run time: 90 minutes.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers early-detection programs, including mammography and breast physical examinations, as well as instruction in breast self-examination. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, women with a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer can receive regular examinations and counseling to help them understand their situation and minimize their chances of developing advanced cancer. Our researchers are leaders in exploring how breast cancer develops at the genetic level and are working to identify women at increased risk for the disease.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering physicians are using digital mammography, a technique that enables radiologists to produce an image of the breast in about five seconds (compared to four to five minutes with a traditional mammogram) and to refine the contrast of the image so that lesions can be seen more clearly. Although standard mammography relies on film to record and display mammograms, digital mammography uses computers and specially designed detectors to produce a digital image of the breast that can be displayed on high-resolution monitors. The new technique, which may be more effective than standard mammography, especially in women with dense breasts, is being studied against standard film mammography in the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST). Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Guttman Diagnostic Center is one of the centers participating in the study.

Our radiologists are using computer-aided detection (CAD) to second-read mammograms. The technology uses a computer to scan mammograms for abnormalities and, according to recent research, may improve early detection of breast cancer with screening. In addition, our researchers are evaluating the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve breast cancer diagnosis and staging.

Our Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Our doctors recommend different breast cancer screening guidelines based on four distinct risk categories: women of average risk; women with at least one first-degree relative (i.e. parent or sibling) affected by breast cancer; women who have received a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia (a form of benign breast disease) or lobular carcinoma in situ (cancers that are confined to the milk duct or lobule); and women with a history of mantle radiation (radiation received during treatment for Hodgkin's disease).

Average Risk Women

  • Annual clinical breast examination (CBE) beginning at age 25
  • Annual mammography beginning at age 40
  • Women should be aware of any changes in their breasts. Monthly breast self-examination beginning at 20 years old is optional.

Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer -- i.e. One or More First-Degree Relative (Parent or Sibling)

  • CBE every three to six months starting no later than ten years earlier than the age at which the youngest family member was diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Annual mammography starting ten years prior to the age of the youngest family member with breast cancer (but not earlier than age 25 and not later than age 40)
  • Consider annual MRI (consult with your physician)
  • Women should be aware of any changes in their breasts. Monthly breast self-examination beginning at 20 years old is optional.

Women with a Diagnosis of Atypical Hyperplasia or Lobular Carcinoma In Situ

  • CBE every three to six months beginning at time of diagnosis
  • Annual mammography beginning at the time of diagnosis
  • Consider annual MRI (consult with your physician).
  • Women should be aware of any changes in their breasts. Monthly breast self-examination beginning at 20 years old is optional.

Women with a History of Mantle Radiation (Radiation Received during Earlier Hodgkin's Disease Treatment)

  • CBE every three to six months beginning no later than five years post-treatment
  • Annual mammography starting eight years after radiation treatment
  • Consider annual MRI (consult with your physician)
  • Women should be aware of any changes in their breasts. Monthly breast self-examination beginning at 20 years old is optional.

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Last Updated: Oct. 1, 2001
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