Breast Imaging

Why Breast Imaging Matters 

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, with a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing the disease. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no significant family history or genetic predisposition to developing breast cancer. The good news: thanks to earlier detection through screening and advances in treatment, breast cancer death rates have been steadily declining. 

At Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian (WCINYP), we offer comprehensive, compassionate breast care—from expert guidance and advanced imaging to personalized support at every step. 

Here you'll find everything you need to know about breast imaging, including annual screening, diagnostic exams, and biopsy procedures: what to expect, how results guide your care, and how to make informed decisions about your health with confidence. 

Personalized Screening: Assessing Your Risk 

Breast cancer risk isn't the same for everyone. Talking with your doctor about your personal risk factors is an important first step in determining the screening plan that's right for you. 

All women should have their lifetime breast cancer risk assessed by age 25. Early risk assessment allows women identified as higher than average risk to begin appropriate screening sooner, including screening augmented with breast MRI, to give them the best chance at early detection. 

At Weill Cornell, we make it easy to understand your breast cancer risk. Through our partnership with AmbryCARE, women scheduling a breast imaging or primary care appointment complete a breast cancer risk assessment to help identify their lifetime risk and guide personalized screening recommendations. Your results will be reviewed and discussed with your doctor to help determine the follow-up plan that’s best for you. 

Factors that can increase breast cancer risk include: 

• A family history of breast cancer, in particular in first degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) 
• A known genetic mutation (such as BRCA1/2, PALB2, or CHEK2) 
• A personal history of chest radiation or certain breast conditions, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or lobular neoplasia (ALH/LCIS) 
• Black or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which is associated with higher rates of certain genetic mutations and breast cancer 
• Dense breast tissue  

If you have one or more of these risk factors, our Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program (GPCP)  can help. The program offers comprehensive cancer risk assessments, genetic testing, and ongoing preventive care, working with you to understand your individual risk and recommend the most appropriate screening to support early detection.  

Screening Guidelines  

For women without symptoms who are not considered high risk, breast cancer screening is important for early detection. Current recommendations from the American College of Radiology: 

• Ages 20–39: Have a clinical breast exam every 3 years as part of your routine checkups. 
• Ensure your lifetime risk of breast cancer is assessed by age 25 and updated every 3-5 years.  
• Age 40 and older: Schedule a screening mammogram every year. 

Staying on schedule with your screenings gives you the best chance to detect breast changes early when treatment is most effective, and prognosis is best.  

Learn more about screening breast imaging and how to stay proactive about your breast health.