Mammography is the choice of screening test for breast cancer in an average risk woman above age 40. Its rightly advocated by American College of Radiology, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Cancer Society, American Medical Association, National Cancer Institute and several other worldwide medical organizations.
Many times women including my patients express the concern for radiation exposure. On an average, the amount of radiation exposure during a mammographic exam is 0.5 mSv. To put things in perspective, a flight from New York to Athens, Greece exposes an individual to same amount of radiation.
To answer the question, yes, there is exposure to radiation but in a very low dose.
With the advent of recent technologies and digitization of mammographic images, the radiation dosage has significantly reduced with even better quality.
With the advent of recent technologies and digitization of mammographic images, the radiation dosage has significantly reduced with even better quality.
Mammography doesn't prevent breast cancer, but it saves lives by finding cancer at an early stage.
As per National Cancer Institute Data, since regular mammography screening began in the US in the 1980’s, the breast cancer death rate has reduced by 35%.
Risk vs Benefit:
Radiation risk from screening mammography is extremely small compared with the established benefit from this life saving screening exam and should not unduly distract women requiring screening.
Hopefully this page helped you learn new information, if you have any questions please feel free commenting below or emailing us at wiisouthflorida@gmail.com.
Author Dr. Priyanka Grover is Breast & Women’s Imaging Radiologist, a health advocate, a mom, a friend and an enthusiast!