Early signs of breast cancer are often hidden within your breast tissue. Annual breast self exams should be practiced by women starting in their 20s. Clinical breast exams should be performed about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s. Women over 40, should have a clinical breast exam every year. If an abnormality is detected with mammography or physical exam, a patient will typically be referred for additional breast imaging with diagnostic mammography, ultrasound or biopsy. Biopsy is the only definitive way to determine whether cancer is present. At SSM Breast Care, we have multiple locations to make the process convenient and we will be with you every step of the way.