WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MAMMOGRAPHY?

Mammography is often performed for screening purposes to detect breast cancer early in patients who have no breast complaints.

Mammography is often performed for screening purposes in patients with no breast complaints to detect breast cancer early. Screening mammograms attempt to detect early signs of breast cancer before it becomes a palpable finding. A breast cancer is detected manually by a doctor or the patient herself, on average, at 8-10 years of age (years). When performed according to radiological guidelines, mammography can detect breast cancer 3-4 years before it becomes palpable.

For women with breast-related complaints (e.g., palpable hardness, nipple discharge, etc.), mammography is performed for diagnostic purposes, that is, to clarify the source of the complaint and to determine the cause and effect relationship.