Education/Resources

Yet millions of breast cancer survivors stand as proof to the progress being made. While in the past a breast cancer diagnosis meant certain death, today early diagnosis and treatment can mean extended life. It is this mission — early diagnosis and treatment — that is the heart of Oklahoma Project Woman. Our program is a collaborative effort linking Oklahoma breast healthcare institutions to women who, because of financial hardship, often delay seeking medical attention.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends the following screening guidelines:

• Mammograms every year starting at age 40.
• Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns talk with a health care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier.
• Clinical breast exams by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.
• Breast self-exams every month starting by age 20.

American Cancer Society® recommends:

• Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of periodic health exams, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
• Women know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
• Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) get an MRI and a mammogram every year.
• Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram; yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.