Cancer Institute

Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer, and a mammogram - which takes only about 20 minutes - may help detect the disease in its earliest and most curable stage.

We want to remind women of all ages that in addition to staying current with your mammograms, taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam a minimum of once a month can make a lifetime of difference. With early detection, the five-year survival rate is 96 percent. If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

• Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.

• Age 20-39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.

• By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.

• Ages 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.

• Age 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year.

• All ages: Recording personal exams, mammograms and doctors’ appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file. Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
  (Source: www.nationalbreastcancer.org.)

West Penn Allegheny Health System offers multidisciplinary, patient-focused programs dedicated to providing complete breast health services in comfortable environments. Using advanced technologies, our breast care centers provide imaging and diagnostic procedures at sites conveniently located throughout Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities.

Our Locations