{"id":3304,"date":"2026-04-30T14:47:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/?p=3304"},"modified":"2026-04-30T14:47:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:17:48","slug":"breast-cancer-screening-when-and-which-tests-are-needed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/breast-cancer-screening-when-and-which-tests-are-needed\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast Cancer Screening: When and Which Tests Are Needed"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

What is Breast Cancer Screening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Breast cancer screenings<\/a><\/strong> are imaging tests conducted to check if the breast tissues have lumps or any signs of breast cancer. However, while screenings help point towards a possible presence of cancer, they cannot diagnose breast cancer. It takes a combination of tests and procedures to make this diagnosis reflect the true results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Types of Tests Conducted to Diagnose For Breast Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A radiologist conducts imaging tests to produce results of the breast tissue. These are then examined to diagnose breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Mammograms
    <\/strong>    Mammograms<\/a> are the most common screenings for detecting breast cancer. Considered as gold standard for breast cancer detection, these use special X-rays to produce pictures of the breast tissue. In this procedure, the breasts are placed inside a flat plate or paddle and then compressed to make them flat. They are typically 2D or 3D. 3D mammograms tend to be clearer than the former.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Breast Ultrasound
    <\/strong>If the radiology technologist comes across something irregular through a mammogram, he may suggest a breast ultrasound to see inside the breast tissue. In this procedure, a small handheld device is moved around the breast to scan it. The device releases sound waves through the breast tissue which are then converted into images. The radiologist\/breast oncologist will then evaluate these images to detect tumour or cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Breast MRI
    <\/strong>This technique uses a magnet and radio waves. It is generally used if the individual is at a higher risk of cancer or if the mammogram results have come abnormal. Breast MRI creates clear pictures of the breast tissues to be evaluated by the healthcare provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)
    <\/strong>This technique uses radioactive tracer and a special gamma camera to detect cancerous cells inside the breast tissue. It works by lighting up areas where the cells appear abnormal or out of control. It is usually recommended for heavier breasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Non-Imaging Breast Exams<\/strong>
    Non-imaging breast exams are self-aware techniques of detecting any kind of lumps or irregular growth in breasts. They are of two types:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n