John Muir Health logo
  • Patients
    About MyChart
    Locating Patients
    Medicare
    New Patients
    Payment & Insurance
    Physician Open Payments Notice
    Preparing for Surgery
    Pre-Register for a Visit
    Registration & Forms
    Request a Health Record
    Security Center
    Video Visits
    Why Choose Us
  • Services
    Addiction Medicine
    Behavioral Health
    Cancer
    Cardiovascular Services
    Digestive Health
    Emergency Services
    Lab Services
    Medical Imaging
    Neurosciences
    Orthopedics
    Pediatrics
    Physical Rehabilitation
    Pregnancy & New Parent
    Primary Care
    Urgent Care
    ALL SERVICES
  • Education
    Classes, Screenings & Support Groups
    Clinical Trials
    Conditions & Treatments
    Health & Wellness
  • Health Professionals
    Careers
    Clinical Research
    Family Medicine Residency Program
    John Muir Medical Group
    Medical Staff
    Nursing
    Pharmacy Residency Program
    Resources
    Training & Education
    Video & Publication Center
  • About Us
    Annual Reports
    Awards & Recognition
    Board of Directors
    Community Commitment
    Employers, Brokers, & Health Plans
    Executive Team
    Make a Gift
    Mission & Vision
    Partnerships
    Media Center
MyChart Login
  • Find a location
  • Find a doctor
  • Pay a bill
  • Find a job
✕

Latest information on COVID-19 >

Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Detecting breast cancer early saves lives by finding cancers when they are small. We offer advanced screening and diagnostic tools, the latest treatment techniques, as well as a variety of support and educational resources.

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Cancer
  4. What We Treat
  5. Breast Health Services
  6. Breast Cancer Screening & Early Detection
Breast Health Services
  • Breast Cancer Screening
  • Breast Cancer Diagnosis
  • Breast Cancer Recovery
  • Breast Cancer Screening & Early Detection
  • Breast Cancer Treatment
  • Multi-Disciplinary Breast Cancer Program

Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Beginning in your 20s, you should be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any changes to your doctor. Learn more about how and when the American Cancer Society recommends that you perform breast self-exams. However, your self-exams should not replace regular screenings by your doctor, as it's always best to identify breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.

Types of Breast Screenings We Offer:

  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • Digital Mammography
  • 3-D Mammography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Screening Breast Ultrasound
  • Genetic Counseling and Screening
  • High Risk Cancer Program

Dr. Irene Lo, General Surgeon, shares her first mammogram experience at John Muir Health. 

Clinical Breast Exam – As part of your regular physical exam, our physicians will perform a breast examination and check for enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the underarm area and above the collarbone. Consistent with American Cancer Society guidelines, we recommend women in their 20s and 30s undergo a clinical breast exam every three years. We advise women 40 and older to have annual clinical breast exams.

Digital Mammography – Since its inception 35 years ago, we use this technologically advanced, low radiation X-ray test to identify any abnormalities in your breast tissue. For routine screenings, we recommend having annual mammograms at 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.

3-D Mammography – A breakthrough in breast cancer detection, 3D digital images can spot cancers not seen by regular 2D. Learn more

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – If you are identified as high-risk, we often use MRI , which can be very effective for early detection of breast cancer. We have a number of ways of identifying if you are at high-risk, including genetic testing and an evaluation of your family and clinical treatment history.

Screening Breast Ultrasound – If you're one of the more than 40% of women with very dense breast tissue, we may recommend this special screening, in addition to your standard mammogram, to help us find small cancers that a mammography might miss. This is not a replacement for screening mammography alone. Our goal is to find cancers earlier when they are smaller and easier to treat.

Genetic Counseling & Testing – If someone in your family was diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause, or you have had at least two family members with either 1) breast and ovarian cancer or 2) the same kind of any cancer, you should speak with your doctor about our genetic counseling and testing program.

A genetic counselor will get your detailed family history and, if appropriate, may recommend a genetic blood test to find out if you are at a higher risk for developing hereditary breast cancer, which accounts for 5-10% of all breast cancers. If you are, we will discuss risk prevention options to minimize your chances of getting breast cancer.

High Risk Cancer Program – If you are identified as a high-risk patient for developing cancer, we will work with you closely on your screening plan, risk assessment, risk reduction, monitoring, education, and resources.

How To Schedule a Breast Screening

Schedule a breast screening at any of our imaging locations by calling our centralized scheduling center:

(925) 952-2701

All breast screens require a doctor's order.
Need a doctor? Find a Doctor now.

Related Classes, Screenings or Support Groups

  • Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
  • Life after Cancer
  • Living Well Beyond Cancer
  • Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Group

Resources

  • Cancer Support Community
  • American Cancer Society
  • The Wig Source
Hi! I'm here to help answer your questions.
Chat
ABOUT
About Us
Board of Directors
Executive Team
Awards & Recognition
Partnerships
Community Commitment
Employers, Brokers & Health Plans
NEWS & PRESS
Media Center
Annual Reports
GET INVOLVED
Careers
Volunteer
Make a Gift
CONTACT
Email Us
PRIVACY
Patient Privacy
Website Privacy
Terms of Use
Security Center
Follow Us

© John Muir Health All rights reserved.

John Muir Health is accredited by The Joint Commission. 

We use cookies to measure website traffic and personalize content for a better browsing experience. By using this website, you consent to our cookies. For more details, see our Website Privacy Policy.