Breast cancer has a 99% survival rate when it's caught early.*
When breast cancer is caught in stage 1, before it spreads beyond the breast, survival rates are nearly 100%.† A 20-minute test could potentially save lives. So, what are you waiting for?
Get to know your normal.
Time to start feeling yourself...well, your breasts, that is, once a month. If you still get your period, do this a few days after it ends. If you're postmenopausal, try to do it the same day each month.‡
Notice a lump? Skin changes? Nipple weirdness? Don’t Google it, screen it. If something feels different from last month, don't wait and see. Get it checked out with your health care team.
What does screening look like?
Types of Screening
Types of Screening
Density Matters:
About 50% of women have dense breasts.§ After your mammogram, you might be notified that you have dense breasts. This means you will likely need additional testing, as dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect cancer in a mammogram. Ask your doctor about extra screening methods like an MRI if you learn you have dense breasts.
What to know about your mammo:
Schedule it when you’re not so tender. A few days after your period is usually best. No period? Pick any day. Skip the deodorant, lotion, or powder on or near your chest that day. Bring—or send—your old mammogram records if you’ve switched to a new health care provider.
We'll help lay it out for you—they’re going to press each breast between two plates for a few seconds while you stand still and hold your breath. A mammogram can feel similar to getting your blood pressure taken and may pinch a bit. It may feel a bit awkward but is also totally worth it for breast cancer detection.
Results typically come back in a few days to a week. If they call you back for more images, try to stay calm. It’s very common and usually means they need a better angle. Most callbacks are precautionary.
The Cost:
Sure, insurance may cover the screening mammogram but doesn’t always cover the follow-ups.
What You Can Do: Free and low-cost mammograms are available nationwide.
Getting There:
No screening center nearby, no transportation, no time off work, no childcare...the list goes on.
What You Can Do: There may be mobile units available that come to your neighborhood.
Rebuilding Confidence in Care:
Health information that’s not in your language. Feeling like you’re not being heard. A complex medical system that doesn’t prioritize certain communities. All are completely understandable.
What You Can Do: There are patient navigators available to help you figure out the logistics.
We need Congress’s attention
Together with Susan G. Komen®, NOVARTIS helped create the Alliance for Breast Cancer Policy to improve outcomes in breast cancer through policy changes, breaking down barriers to screening, early detection, and diagnosis.
Let's do this!
Schedule your screening.
When it comes to screening for breast cancer, the best time to take action is now!
* According to the latest data, nearly 100% of people live at least 5 years when cancer is detected early and in the localized stage.
† According to American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures 2025.
‡ According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
§ According to the Cleveland Clinic website.