The Complete Guide to Mammography: Why Regular Testing is Essential for Women

Mammography Tests: A few days ago, a study revealed that with the help of breast examination, about 50% of deaths due to breast cancer in women can be prevented. This study of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai was published in BMJ. This study, which lasted for about 20 years, found that if clinical breast exams are done with the help of trained and correct techniques, then the chances of preventing breast cancer in women above 50 years of age can increase by 30%. Not only this, the chances of survival after the detection of cancer in the advanced stage were also seen to be very high.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women not only in India but all over the world. According to statistics, in the year 2020, 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were reported globally, while 685,000 women died due to breast cancer. Early detection of the disease is important to prevent breast cancer. However, more than 90 percent of women around the world still do not have access to the right facilities for the diagnosis of breast cancer or they are not diagnosed on time.

Which test should be done for the diagnosis of breast cancer?

Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer early and prevent breast cancer. In developed and rich countries like America, the number of women who get mammography done is up to 39 million annually.

Why is mammography important for women?

Mammography is an important test for women, but still, most women do not get regular mammography done. Many reasons have been seen behind this. While women lack the right information about mammography, the lack of advanced and trained technicians and mammography centers is also a big reason. Getting regular mammography can prove beneficial for women in many ways such as

Breast cancer can be detected as early as possible by getting mammography done.
Mammography is also very helpful in detecting lumps, fluid growth, or microcalcification in the breast.

What happens in the process of mammography?

The process of mammography takes only 10 minutes and it can help in understanding the changes in the breast with the help of radiation and detecting problems like tumors.

During mammography, the examination is done with the help of two flat plates in the machine. During the test, the breast is placed on the lower plate for examination. After that, the test is completed by bringing the second plate down. During this, the mammographer or technician advises the patient to take deep breaths. In the screening process, X-rays of both breasts are taken, and based on these X-ray reports, the presence of tumor and breast cancer in the patient is detected.

When and after how much time should mammography be done?

Women above 40 years of age are advised to get mammography done once a year and women above 50 years of age are advised to get mammography done every 6 months.