Breast examination, mammography (X-ray of the breast), ultrasound, MRI and biopsy are at present the best modes for diagnosing breast cancer. A woman without family history of breast cancer is advised to have a breast examination every year and a mammogram every one or two years (between the ages of 50-75). An ultrasound is sometimes added. A woman with a family history needs a yearly mammogram beginning at the age of 40 and a regular examination every 6 months. A woman who is shown to carry a breast cancer gene (BRCA) needs a yearly MRI examination. A biopsy is indicated when these examinations suggest a tumor.
There are some differences between countries and health programs in terms of ages and frequencies of the examinations. A woman at the age of 30 should consult a breast surgeon and follow his advice. Self examination is important as a woman should know her breast and seek medical advice when something feels different. But one should keep in mind that progress in the outcomes of treatments for breast cancer has been made mainly by early diagnosis, and this has been achieved mainly by regular ammograms that show small cancers before they can be palpated, either by the woman herself or by her physician.