What’s the best tool for preventing cancer?

One of the best tools to prevent cancer is regular screening. Dr. Christine Klassen, director of the Mayo Clinic Breast Clinic, says mammograms are a good example.

"Early diagnosis is going to give patients the best outcomes. We know that if a tumor is caught early and it's still contained in the breast, that outcomes are really very good," says Dr. Klassen.

And early diagnosis usually starts with a mammogram.

"Screening mammogram is still our standard recommendation for breast cancer detection. And we do recommend that screening mammograms be done regularly every one to two years," she says.

Mayo Clinic recommends mammograms begin at age 40. And, for patients with dense breasts, Dr. Klassen recommends additional screening.

"There are several options for women who have dense breast tissue to do a little bit additional imaging and help the radiologist really see if there's anything small occurring in the breast."

Dr. Klassen says 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in the U.S. And it's important that all have access to regular screening.

"By giving women the opportunity to have that routine screening mammogram on a regular basis, we're going to improve their outcomes."

Watch this "Mayo Clinic Minute" video to hear Dr. Klassen discuss the importance of cancer screening:

Learn more

Learn more about cancer screening and mammograms.

Also read these articles:

• "Answers to 3 common questions about cancer prevention"
• "Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk"
• "Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk"
• "Prostate cancer prevention: Ways to reduce your risk"

A version of this article was originally published on the Mayo Clinic News Network.