mammography

What is Mammography?

Screening mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of a woman’s breasts used to detect breast cancer when that cancer is too small to be felt as a lump. Screening mammography is carried out on women who do not have any symptoms of breast disease. The aim of screening mammography is to reduce the death rate from breast cancer by detecting unsuspected breast cancers at an early stage. Mammography gives better results if performed for both breasts, rather than imaging any one breast.

Why Mammography?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women among all cancers in women, however, if detected in its early stages, it has a higher 5 years survival rate. Mammography is the most reliable method for detecting early and small breast cancer. Yearly periodic screening mammography can decrease the mortality ( death ) due to breast cancer by 41%.

How do I prepare for mammography?

No special preparation is required for a mammography.

Do not wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion or talcum powder on the day of your appointment, because these substances might show up as shadows on your mammogram. Wear a two-piece outfit, so you only need to undress from the waist up.

Screening Mammography:

1. For women at average breast cancer risk.

• Women between 35 to 44 yrs have the option to start screening with a Mammogram every year.
• Women between 45 to 54 yrs should get a Mammogram every year
• Women 55 yrs & older can switch to a mammogram every other year or they can choose to continue yearly >Mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health & is expected to live at least 10 more years.

2. For women at high risk for breast cancer

They should do a Mammogram every year starting from 30 yrs of age. Examination by a physician is recommended every 3 yrs.

What are the high-risk factors?

• Personal history of breast cancer.
• Strong family history of breast cancer.
• Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 to 30 yrs.
• Never had children or had first childbirth after the age of 30 yrs.
• Early onset of menses. (before the age of 12 yrs)
• Late-onset of menopause. (after the age of 55 yrs)

Any woman having symptoms of breast disease, i.e. lump, pain, discharge, nipple retraction, or skin texture/color changes should undergo a mammogram in consultation with her doctor. Mammography can help to decide whether a lump is benign or cancer and can be a guide for biopsy.