While health care professionals have long told women to get screened for breast cancer, research has been mixed as to whether screening can prevent deaths from the disease. However, a new study published in The Cochran Library finds that for every 2,000 women screened for breast cancer, one woman will live longer because of early detection. The study also found that ten women out of 2,000 will undergo unnecessary treatment due to screening. Experts say that the study illustrates that
breast cancer screening saves lives, but advantages and disadvantages of screening should be considered.

A breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue to determine whether it is cancerous or benign. While physical breast exam, mammography, ultrasound, and other breast imaging methods can help detect a breast abnormality, a biopsy (followed by microscopic analysis of the breast cells) is the only definitive way to determine if cancer is present. This series of articles introduces the topic of breast biopsy and provides links to comprehensive information on the different
methods of biopsy, how biopsy is performed, the benefits and risks of biopsy, who performs biopsy, understanding the results of biopsy, and more.

Mammography is available at numerous accredited locations in most areas of the United States. To date, over 11,000 mammography facilities have been accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in the U.S. This article helps users locate a mammography facility by city, state, or zip code through the FDA's Mammography Location Finder. All mammography facilities in the database are accredited by the ACR and meet the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) mandated by Congress.

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when she stops menstruating. Because of the increased life expectancy over the last several decades, it is estimated that most women go on to live one-third to one-half of their lives after they reach menopause. This article provides in-depth information about menopause, including physical changes, symptoms, and relationships with other diseases, such as heart disease and
osteoporosis.