Mammography

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that      uses a low-dose x-ray system for the examination of breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge.   Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.  Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA)

and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening. It is recommended that you do the following if you have no history of breast cancer: Self-breast exams monthly beginning at age 20. Clinical breast exam by a health professional every three years until age 40. After age 40, schedule a clinical breast exam and mammogram every year.