Mammography is the medical imaging of breast tissue using low-dose ionizing radiation. It is used as a screening tool to detect early signs of breast cancer, and can also be used to diagnose and treat breast cancer.
Mammography has been shown to reduce mortality from breast cancer by up to 40% in women aged 50 years and older. In developed countries, mammography screening programs have resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of advanced-stage breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms: diagnostic and screening. Diagnostic mammograms are used when there are symptoms or abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms are performed on women with no symptoms to look for early signs of disease.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women aged 40 years and older have a screening mammogram every year, and that women aged 20-39 years old have a clinical breast exam (CBE) every 3 years. The ACS also recommends that women at high risk for developing breast cancer should consult with their doctor about when to start having yearly mammograms and how often to have them.
Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to image the breasts. The images are then read by a radiologist who looks for any suspicious areas. If an abnormality is found, additional testing may be needed such as a biopsy.