Mammography, how often should it be done

The mammography is an X-ray examination that allows early visualization of the presence of lumps that are not yet palpable and may be due to the presence of a tumor.

Clinical palpation

In fact, its efficacy is superior to clinical palpation and therefore it is recommended for all women whether they notice and feel some lumps by touch or those who do not notice anything.

Mammography is therefore part of breast cancer screening (along with breast ultrasound), and this screening is targeted at women between the ages of 50 and 69 years and provides for the free performance of mammography every two years.

In fact, most breast cancers occur in this age group.

In some regions, however, screening is also expanded to younger women, from the age of 40, precisely to ensure a further reduction in breast cancer mortality.

When screening is done

When screening is performed, two X-ray projections are made, one from the top and the other from the side, and the doctors (two radiologists) evaluate the results separately for greater reliability.

If the results are positive, that is, if the doctors find something, the patient is asked to undergo an additional mammogram, ultrasound, and clinical examination to confirm the actual presence of a tumor, before proceeding to treatment (usually surgery to remove diseased tissue).

Therefore, it is recommended to undergo mammography because it is an effective test for early detection of breast cancer.

In general, if there is no family history of breast cancer, it is advisable to start at age 40, Carrying out regular follow-up examinations every 12 months.

In addition, breast ultrasonography is recommended once a year.

Women up to age 40, on the other hand, should have breast ultrasound and breast examination periodically (ultrasound in particular is recommended especially for younger women).