Overview of Screening Breast Imaging
Regular breast screening is a critical part of maintaining your health. These imaging exams help detect changes in the breast early, often before they can be felt, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are best. Our goal is to make the process clear, comfortable and supportive every step of the way.
Types of Screening Breast Exams We Offer
Depending on your age, breast density and risk level, we may recommend one or more of the following:
- Recommended for women aged 40 and older who have no symptoms
- Can detect breast changes years before they can be felt
- At Weill Cornell Imaging all mammograms are performed with state-of-the-art digital breast tomosynthesis (3D- mammogram)
- Recommended once a year along with screening mammography for patients who are high-risk for breast cancer ( ≥20% lifetime risk of breast cancer)
- Also used in a diagnostic setting. Learn more about recommendations for this exam if you have symptoms or new diagnosis of breast cancer.
Supplemental Screening Breast MRI
- Shortened but highly effective version of the standard Breast MRI exam
- Most sensitive supplemental breast imaging exam
- Recommended for women with dense breast tissue and average risk of breast cancer
Contrast Enhanced Mammography
Recommended for women with dense breast tissue, women at high risk for breast cancer or those who cannot or choose not to undergo a breast MRI.
- Used as a supplement to screening mammography, not a replacement
- Can detect small lumps or areas of concern that may be harder to see on a mammogram
For women without symptoms who are not considered high risk, breast cancer screening is important for early detection. Screening should always be tailored to each patient’s unique needs and medical history.
Patients Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
- Mammograms: There are no contraindications to mammography during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mammograms should be performed whenever indicated and should not be delayed.
- Breast MRI with Contrast: Not recommended for pregnant patients. However, there are no contraindications for breastfeeding patients.
- Breast MRI without Contrast: Not diagnostic for breast cancer and therefore not performed for breast cancer screening.
Transgender Patients
Breast cancer screening recommendations vary based on a patient’s anatomy, hormone use and individual risk factors. Your care team can help determine the most appropriate timing and type of imaging based on your unique history and risk factors.
Importance of Prior Imaging
If you've had breast imaging at another facility, sending your prior scans to us before your appointment helps your care team get a more complete picture of your breast health. Having prior images available for comparison allows your radiologist to identify changes over time and provide the most accurate interpretation of your results and avoid unnecessary imaging and/or biopsies.
Sharing Prior Imaging
If you have had prior imaging that was done outside of Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, or NewYork-Presbyterian, please let us know when scheduling your appointment. We’ll follow up with instructions on how to share your previous imaging with us.
Understanding Your Screening Report
Your report will include something called a BI-RADS score: a standardized system radiologists use to describe what they see on your imaging and to help guide the next steps. Here's a quick guide:
BI-RADS 0 – Incomplete: We need additional images before we can make a final assessment. This is common and does not necessarily mean anything is wrong.
BI-RADS 1 – Negative: The exam looks normal with no concerning findings. Continue with routine screening schedule.
BI-RADS 2 – Benign: A non-cancerous finding was seen, such as a cyst or calcification. These findings are common and not harmful. Continue with routine screening schedule.
BI-RADS 3 – Probably Benign: A finding was seen that is very likely non-cancerous (greater than 98% chance of being benign). We typically recommend follow-up imaging in about 6 months to confirm there are no changes over time.
BI-RADS 4 – Suspicious: A finding was identified that requires further evaluation, often with a biopsy. While many biopsies do not result in a cancer diagnosis, additional testing is important to better understand the finding.
BI-RADS 5 – Highly Suspicious: The finding has a high likelihood of cancer. A biopsy will be strongly recommended so we can make an accurate diagnosis and discuss the next steps.
BI-RADS 6 – Known Cancer: Cancer has already been confirmed by biopsy. Imaging is being used to help guide treatment planning and care.
If your BI-RADS score indicates that follow-up is needed, we will also call you to walk through the results and discuss the next steps, so you know exactly what to expect.
Your report will be automatically shared with you and your referring provider typically within 24–48 hours. You can view your images and reports anytime through our patient portal, Connect. Use this guide to get started.
Stay on Track with Your Breast Health
Keeping up with regular breast screening is an important way to stay proactive about your health and detect any changes early. Schedule your annual mammogram by scheduling online or calling us at 212-746-6000.