October 16, 2026, is National Mammography Day. It’s a good reminder to schedule a screening mammogram if you’re due—and to encourage the women and men you care about to pay attention to breast health.
What is breast self-awareness?
Breast self-awareness means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel and reporting changes, such as:
· A new lump or thickened area
· Changes in breast size or shape
· Skin dimpling, redness or swelling
· A nipple turning inward
· Unusual nipple discharge
· Persistent pain in one area
· A lump or swelling under the arm
Breast self-awareness is valuable, but it does not replace mammograms or professional medical care.
The Importance of Self Breast Checks
I encourage women to become familiar with their breasts and to do a gentle self-check if that helps them notice changes. There’s no required monthly schedule, and a self-check does not replace a mammogram or an evaluation by a health care provider.
This National Mammography Day, take one practical step: schedule a mammogram if you’re due, ask about your personal risk, or remind someone you love to do the same. Early detection matters—and so does speaking up when something changes.
Breast Cancer Facts
· Breast cancer is common. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 321,910 women will be diagnosed in 2026.
· For women at average risk, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 through 74. Screening advice can differ among medical organizations, and personal or family history may change the plan. Ask your health care provider what schedule fits your risk.
· A mammogram can find cancer before a lump can be felt. It can also show breast density. Dense tissue is common, can make cancer harder to see on a mammogram, and is itself a risk factor. Ask about your results and whether you need any follow-up.
· Know what’s normal for your body. There is no set schedule for breast self-awareness. Monthly self-exams are not routinely recommended as a screening method for women at average risk because they have not been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Still, paying attention to changes—and getting them checked—is important.
· Contact a health care provider about a new lump or thickening, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or nipple discharge. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but a new or persistent change deserves medical attention. Don’t wait for your next mammogram if you notice a symptom.
· Men can develop breast cancer, too. About 1 in 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. Men should seek medical advice for a new breast or chest lump, nipple changes, or discharge.
Other Breast-Screening and Evaluation Methods
1. 3D mammography
Also called digital breast tomosynthesis, this test takes multiple X-ray images from different angles to create a more detailed view of the breast. It may make some abnormalities easier to see, particularly in dense breast tissue.
2. Breast MRI
A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves rather than X-rays. It is usually used along with mammography for women at high risk, such as some women with:
· BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
· A strong family history of breast cancer
· Previous radiation treatment to the chest
· Certain hereditary cancer syndromes
MRI is more sensitive, but it can also identify areas that look abnormal even when no cancer is present. Therefore, according to the National Cancer Institute it is not normally used as routine screening for women at average risk.
3. Breast ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It may be used to:
· Examine a lump or unusual area
· Determine whether a lump appears solid or fluid-filled
· Evaluate an abnormal mammogram
· Provide additional imaging for some women with dense breasts
Ultrasound generally does not replace mammography as the standard screening test. There is not yet enough evidence to recommend supplemental ultrasound or MRI for every woman with dense breasts, so per the Center for Disease Control the decision should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
4. Clinical breast examination
During a clinical breast examination, a healthcare professional looks at and feels the breasts and underarm areas for lumps or other changes. The National Cancer Institute states a clinical breast examination alone is not considered an adequate breast-cancer screening test.
5. Diagnostic mammography
A diagnostic mammogram is more detailed than a routine screening mammogram. It may be ordered when:
· A lump or other symptom is present
· A screening mammogram shows an unusual area
· Additional images are needed
This is a follow-up diagnostic test, not the same as routine screening.
6. Biopsy
A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue or fluid for examination. It is the test used to determine whether suspicious tissue contains cancer cells. The Center for Disease Control states a biopsy is not a routine screening test; it is performed when imaging or an examination identifies an area of concern.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns about your health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance.
