Breast Cancer Screening

Talk to your health care provider about getting a mammogram. If you don't have insurance or a health care provider, you may still be able to get screened. Call the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) at 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find a CSP near you. CSP offers free breast cancer screening for eligible, uninsured New York residents in every county and borough. The call is free and operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or, visit our Community Programs List to find your local CSP by county or borough and call directly.

Breast Cancer Screening and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to miss their mammograms. If you are due for a mammogram, do not wait. Call your health care provider to schedule your appointment as soon as you can. If you are having any symptoms of breast cancer, call your health care provider right away. Getting a mammogram regularly is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

Health care providers are taking steps so that important health visits can happen safely. All staff and patients must wear masks and be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before going in the office. Equipment, exam rooms and dressing rooms are cleaned after each patient. Other safety steps may include socially distanced waiting rooms, on-line check in, and more time added between appointments.

Breast Cancer Screening and COVID-19 Vaccine

Talk to your health care provider about whether to schedule your screening mammogram before the first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine or 4-6 weeks after your final dose of vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines may cause swelling of lymph nodes in the armpit on the side of the body that the shot was given. This is normal and will go away over time. But swollen lymph nodes under the arm can also be a symptom of breast cancer and may show up on a mammogram. This may lead to more tests.

Do not delay your mammogram if you are having any problems with your breasts or have breast cancer symptoms. See your health care provider as soon as possible about your concerns. Together you will decide when is the right time for your mammogram.

New York State Breast Cancer Programs

More than 200 hospitals and clinics statewide now offer extended mammography screening hours. Extended screening hours make it easier than ever to schedule your screening mammogram outside of the typical 9-5 workday hours.

Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find out where you can get breast cancer screening and support in your area. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can help callers who do not speak English. Or, text "Get Screened" to 81336 to find out the nearest location where you can get breast cancer screening.

In July 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a new law to help more women get breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging, if needed. The law keeps most health insurance plans in New York from requiring out-of-pocket costs for women who get these services. More information about the new law can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/breast/nys_breast_cancer_faqs.htm

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get screened. The New York State Cancer Services Program offers free breast cancer screening for eligible, uninsured New York residents in every county and borough.

The program provides breast cancer screening to:

  • Women ages 40 and older (some programs serve women ages 50 and older only)
  • Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer (eligibility is determined by a New York State-licensed health care provider)

For women who have abnormal results, the program also provides free diagnostic testing and case management services.

Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) for more information about the New York State Cancer Services Program.

If you are currently uninsured and would like to see what health insurance options are available to you, please visit the New York State of Health marketplace.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to screen for breast cancer. Screening means checking for signs of cancer before there are symptoms or problems. If a problem is found more tests are needed. These are called diagnostic tests.

A mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early.

Who should get screened for breast cancer?

Women ages 50 to 74 years should get a mammogram every two years.

Some women should be screened for breast cancer younger than age 50. Talk to your health care provider if you:

  • Are 40 to 49 years old
  • Have a family history of breast cancer
  • Have any symptoms of breast cancer such as swelling or dimpling of the breast, lump in the breast or underarm, irritation of breast skin, breast or nipple pain, nipple discharge.

What factors increase my risk for getting breast cancer?

A woman's risk for breast cancer can also be increased by:

  • Being younger than 12 years old at first menstrual period
  • Starting menopause at an older age (55+)
  • Never giving birth or giving birth to your first child after age 30
  • Not breastfeeding
  • Having certain gene mutations such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Having had high levels of radiation exposure (x-rays) to the chest early in life
  • Taking hormone replacement therapy.
  • Having close relatives who have had breast cancer
  • Having a personal history of breast cancer or a history of certain types of benign tumors of the breast
  • Having dense breast tissue
  • Getting older

Talk to your health care provider. Together you can decide the best screening schedule for you.

Get more FAQs about breast cancer here.