Breast Health Education Schedule

Breast Imaging Education

Explore All Breast Topics

Explore physician-reviewed information about screening, callbacks, results, breast density, biopsies, common findings, breast cancer, and next steps.

Physician reviewed

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Start with what brought you here

Choose the question or situation that best matches what you are trying to understand.

I was called back

Learn why additional imaging is recommended and what usually happens next.

I have dense breasts

Understand breast density and how it may affect screening.

I need a biopsy

See how breast biopsies are performed and how to prepare.

I want to understand BI-RADS

Learn what the BI-RADS assessment categories mean.

I found a breast lump

Review common causes and when breast imaging may be recommended.

I want to understand pathology results

Learn about common terms used in breast biopsy and surgical pathology reports.

Explore the Complete Breast Education Library

Browse all available breast imaging topics, organized by category.

Screening

Mammography basics, when to screen, 3D mammography, and screening frequency.

3D Mammography3D mammography finds approximately 40% more invasive cancers than standard 2D mammography. Learn how it works, who...How Often to ScreenAnnual vs. biennial mammography - what the research shows, what major guidelines say, and how doctors determine...Breast cancer screening - what you need to knowPlain-language guide to breast cancer screening - when to start, how often, and what to expect from your mammogram.Tyrer–Cuzick (IBIS) Risk ModelThe Tyrer–Cuzick (IBIS) model estimates your lifetime risk of breast cancer. Learn what inputs it uses, what your...What Is a Screening Mammogram?A plain-language guide to screening mammograms - what they are, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to...When to Start ScreeningMost women at average risk should begin annual mammogram screening at age 40. Learn when to start, what affects...

Symptoms and Concerns

Plain-language guidance for breast symptoms and when to contact the care team.

Armpit Lump or Swollen Lymph NodesUnderstanding what your imaging found.Breast LumpUnderstanding what your imaging found.Breast LumpUnderstanding what your imaging found.Breast PainUnderstanding what your imaging found.Swelling or Fullness in the BreastUnderstanding what your imaging found.Something feels different?Common breast symptoms explained in plain language, including breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, skin changes,...Nipple ChangesUnderstanding what your imaging found.Nipple DischargeUnderstanding what your imaging found.One Breast Looks DifferentUnderstanding what your imaging found.Skin Changes (Redness, Thickening, Dimpling)Understanding what your imaging found.Something feels different?Common breast symptoms explained in plain language, including breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, skin changes,...

Understanding Your Results

Callbacks, BI-RADS, report wording, and common result questions.

I Was Called Back After My Mammogram. Should I Be Worried?A calm, honest explanation of why mammogram callbacks happen, what additional imaging means, and why being called...What Does BI-RADS 4 Mean?A calm, patient-friendly explanation of BI-RADS 4, why biopsy is usually recommended, what BI-RADS 4A, 4B, and 4C...Understanding your breast imaging reportPlain-language guide to breast imaging reports and BI-RADS categories - how to read your report and what the...

Imaging and Procedures

Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy procedures, and follow-up imaging.

When Is a Breast Biopsy Needed?When is a breast biopsy recommended? A radiologist explains why biopsies are ordered, what to expect, and what the...Breast MRIWhat is a breast MRI, when is it recommended, and what are its limitations? A board-certified radiologist explains...Breast UltrasoundWhat is a breast ultrasound, when is it used, and what can it show that mammography cannot? A board-certified...Mammography, Ultrasound, and Breast MRIPlain-language explanations of mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI findings. Written by a...MammographyWhat is a mammogram, how does it work, and what does your report mean? A board-certified radiologist explains...Breast Implants and ImagingWomen with breast implants can and should continue routine breast imaging. Mammograms are safe with implants....Follow-Up After Lumpectomy or MastectomyAfter breast cancer surgery, imaging follow-up looks for normal healing changes and signs of recurrence. Learn what Imaging After a Breast Cancer DiagnosisA breast cancer diagnosis triggers a series of targeted imaging studies - local staging, systemic staging, and...After a diagnosis - treatment and follow-up imagingPlain-language guide to breast cancer treatment and follow-up imaging - what happens after a diagnosis and what to...MRI for Extent of DiseasePreoperative breast MRI maps the full extent of cancer before surgery. In about 15–16% of newly diagnosed...Surveillance MammographyAfter breast cancer treatment, annual mammography is the cornerstone of long-term follow-up - for life....

Biopsy

Breast biopsy education, preparation, and what results may mean.

Pathology & Biopsy ResultsUnderstanding your breast biopsy and pathology report: malignant, ER/PR/HER2, grade, Ki-67, margins, and lymph...When Is a Breast Biopsy Needed?When is a breast biopsy recommended? A radiologist explains why biopsies are ordered, what to expect, and what the...

Common Findings

Common benign, high-risk, and suspicious breast imaging findings.

Atypical Ductal HyperplasiaADH is not cancer - but it carries a 10–30% upgrade rate to DCIS at surgical excision and elevates lifetime breast...Atypical Lobular HyperplasiaALH is not cancer - it is a high-risk lesion found on biopsy that elevates breast cancer risk 4–5x in both...Architectural DistortionWhat does architectural distortion mean on a mammogram? A radiologist explains this important finding - including...Breast AsymmetryWhat does Breast CalcificationsLearn what calcifications mean on a mammogram report - most are benign, but certain patterns require biopsy. A...Breast CystsWhat is a breast cyst? A radiologist explains the difference between simple, complicated, and complex cysts - and...Fat NecrosisFat necrosis is a benign breast condition after surgery, trauma, or radiation - but it can look like cancer on...FibroadenomaFibroadenoma is the most common solid breast mass in women under 35. A radiologist explains what it is, how it...Fine Linear Branching CalcificationsFine linear branching calcifications are the most suspicious calcification pattern in breast imaging — BI-RADS 5,...Common breast imaging findings & diagnosesPlain-language guide to common breast imaging findings - from benign cysts and fibroadenomas to calcifications,...Intramammary Lymph NodeAn intramammary lymph node found on a mammogram is almost always a normal, benign finding. A radiologist explains...Irregular MassAn irregular mass with non-circumscribed margins is suspicious for malignancy. A radiologist explains BI-RADS 4A,...Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)Despite the word Breast MassWhat does a Intraductal PapillomaAn intraductal papilloma is a benign growth inside the breast ducts and the most common cause of nipple discharge....Radial Scar / Complex Sclerosing LesionA radial scar is not cancer - but it can look identical to invasive cancer on imaging and can harbor higher-risk...Skin Thickening on Breast ImagingSkin thickening on breast imaging has many causes - most are benign. But diffuse unilateral skin thickening with...Spiculated MassA spiculated mass has greater than 95% probability of malignancy and is assigned BI-RADS 5. A radiologist explains...Breast Cyst vs. TumorWhat is the difference between a breast cyst and a tumor? A radiologist explains how imaging tells them apart and...

Risk and Genetics

Breast cancer risk, dense breasts, family history, high-risk status, and genetics.

Do I Need Additional Screening?If you have dense breasts, supplemental screening is worth discussing with your doctor. For Category D (extremely...Does Dense Tissue Hide Cancer?Dense breast tissue can hide cancer on a mammogram. Mammograms can miss up to 40–50% of cancers in women with...Does Dense Tissue Increase Cancer Risk?Yes - dense breast tissue is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with extremely dense breasts have...Dense breasts - what it means and what to do nextPlain-language guide to dense breast tissue - BI-RADS density categories, what it means for cancer detection, and...What Is Dense Breast Tissue?Dense breast tissue is common - about 40–50% of women have it. Learn what it means, how it BRCA1 Gene MutationWhat is a BRCA1 mutation, what does it mean for your breast cancer risk, and what should you do next?...BRCA2 Gene MutationWhat is a BRCA2 mutation, what does it mean for your breast cancer risk, and how does it differ from BRCA1?...DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In SituDCIS found on your mammogram or biopsy? Learn what ductal carcinoma in situ means, why it matters, how it Family History & GeneticsAbout 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can raise lifetime risk to 69–72%. Learn...Understanding your breast cancer riskPlain-language guide to breast cancer risk - lifetime risk assessment, BRCA, family history, and how risk affects...What Increases Breast Cancer Risk?Breast cancer risk comes from a combination of fixed and modifiable factors. Learn which risk factors matter most,...What Is High Risk?You are considered high risk if your lifetime breast cancer risk is 20% or greater, or if you have a BRCA...

Breast Cancer Information

Breast cancer basics, pathology language, imaging after diagnosis, and treatment follow-up education.

Imaging & Cancer DetectionA patient-friendly guide to how mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRI help find breast cancer, why additional...Clear Answers About Breast CancerClear answers about breast cancer - from understanding your diagnosis and imaging results to biopsy pathology,...Types of Breast CancerNot all breast cancers are the same. Understanding which type you have - and what makes it unique - is the first...Understanding Breast CancerA calm, patient-friendly guide to what breast cancer means, how it starts, common types, what “invasive” means,...Do I Have Breast Cancer?A calm, honest explanation of what breast imaging can and cannot tell you, when biopsy is needed, and why most...

Frequently Asked Questions

Top patient questions about breast imaging, results, and next steps.

Top 10 Patient QuestionsTop questions about mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, BI-RADS scores, dense breasts, and more — answered...

Common Questions

Questions patients ask most

Quick starting points for common concerns about breast imaging and results.

Education can help you prepare. Your care team knows your individual situation.

This information is designed to help you understand common breast imaging terms and processes. Questions about your own results, appointments, or next steps should be directed to your breast care team.

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