Early breast cancer detection saves lives
Behind skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. But when caught early, breast cancer is very treatable. Knowing your risk factors, symptoms to look for and when to start screening can help prevent and detect breast cancer early.
Schedule a screening mammogram
Scheduling a screening mammogram is now easier than ever. MultiCare patients can schedule their mammogram at our Covington, Gig Harbor, Olympia and Spokane locations through MyChart 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Puget Sound and Thurston County regions: 253-792-6220
- Spokane region: 509-530-3099
- Yakima region: 509-574-3863
- Current patients: Schedule in MyChart
Prevention and screening
Although there are no definitive ways to prevent breast cancer, you may be able to lower your risk by following a healthy lifestyle. This includes staying at a healthy weight, being physically active, and avoiding or limiting alcohol.
Genetic testing
For those with a family history of breast cancer or a known gene mutation, genetic testing can help you better understand your risk. If you’re found to have a high risk for developing breast cancer, our genetic counseling team will work with you to discuss ways to help lower your risk and develop a screening schedule based on your individual needs.
Screening mammograms
A screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast and the standard method to detect breast cancer. The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40. However, if you are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor or other health care provider about when you should begin screening.
Do you know your risk of developing breast cancer?
Certain factors impact your risk of breast cancer, including your medical history, age, ethnicity and family history. Take control of your health with our Breast Cancer Risk Assessment to learn your risk of developing breast cancer or learn more about regular breast cancer screening.
Risk factors
Although men can get breast cancer, the greatest risk for getting breast cancer is being a woman.
Other factors that increase your risk of breast cancer include:
- Age: Majority of breast cancers diagnosed in women over 50
- Having dense breasts
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer (either mother’s or father’s side)
- Inherited genetic changes, notably BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
- Personal history of breast cancer or certain breast conditions
- Early menstruation or late menopause: Women who get their periods before 12 or enter menopause after 55, due to longer exposure to hormones over time
- Race: White women are at slightly increased risk compared to Black women, but breast cancer is more common in Black women under 40, and they are more likely to die from the disease
- Radiation treatment of the chest as a child or young adult
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug given between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage
Some risk factors are related to lifestyle choices, reproductive history or use of hormones. The following have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer:
- Being overweight or having a condition like obesity
- Drinking alcohol
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Having first child after age 30, never having a full-term pregnancy or not breastfeeding
- Taking certain types oral contraceptives
- Using certain kinds of hormone replacement therapy during menopause for more than five years
Having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. It’s best to discuss any risk factors you may have with your doctor or other health care provider.
