[Mammography]

Abstract

Mammography is the most important method for the diagnosis and the screening of breast diseases. Sensitivity and accuracy of mammography are very high in the detection of breast cancer. The use of the stereotaxic localization and fine-needle aspiration of nonpalpable breast lesions improve its effectiveness. The American Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) has demonstrated the benefits of breast screening for women over 40 years of age. Many American medical associations and societies have adopted the guidelines based on the BCDDP results, promoting breast cancer screening for these women. However, recently released results of some randomized breast screening studies demonstrated only a 5% reduction in mortality from breast cancer in women 40-49 years of age, and a 40% reduction for women aged over 50 years. There is no explanation for this dilemma at the present time. However, screening mammography should stay available for women over 40 years of age.