When to have a mammogram

Mammography, when performed at the right time, can save the lives of many women. According to a summary of European evidence reported by the National Screening Observatory, 1.000 women who regularly participate in biennial mammography screening between the ages of 50 and 69, it is estimated that they will be 7 to 9 lives saved for breast cancer during follow-up up to age 79.

But another survey conducted by Europa Donna Italia, in collaboration with Swg and with the support of theNational Screening Observatory (ONS), warns that 30 percent of women say they have never had a mammogram.

Index of topics

What is that

The test has undergone significant evolution in recent years, significantly improving performance, execution times, and the value of the investigation itself. The most widespread method is that of ionizing radiations, which allow the detection of breast lesions, including those of cancerous origin. These appear as nodular opacities with irregular margins, and mammography, by examining the shape and structure of the mammary gland, can detect even small lesions.

When to do it

Generally, the first mammogram, even in the absence of significant symptoms, is recommended around age 40. Only with a significant family history of breast cancer, and in consultation with your doctor, should you consider having a mammogram earlier, around age 30-35. A compelling reason for a mammogram is when, upon palpation, you feel the presence of a lump in your breast.

The frequency of mammography, however, depends on age, personal risk and the recommendations of the health system.

In Italy, organized screening programs generally invite women:

Among the 50 and 69 years: mammography every 2 years.
In some regions, screening is also extended to the age group 45 74-years, with intervals that may vary.

The most common recommendations for women at average risk are:

Under 40 years oldRoutine screening mammograms are not usually performed unless specifically indicated by a doctor.
40 49-years: the decision should be personalized by discussing it with the doctor, considering benefits and possible disadvantages.
50 74-years: regular mammography, generally every 2 years.
Over 74 years old: continuation depends on the general health status and life expectancy.

Several studies have shown that performing an MRI scan, whenever your doctor deems it necessary—an MRI scan, in addition to a mammogram—can increase the chance of detecting cancer cells by 30 percent.

Importance of early diagnosis

Mammography allows for a early diagnosis of some tumors, starting with breast cancer. The vast majority of breast cancers, diagnosed in the preclinical stage, resolve with a complete recovery. On the contrary, a diagnosis in an advanced stage makes everything more complicated, and the possibilities of effective treatments and healing they collapse.

Is mammography painful?

Mammography is not painful, it lasts a few minutes, and requires neither sedation nor anesthesia. The breast is positioned on a special platform (the detector) and then compressed using a plastic plate (the compressor). Compression has two advantages: it reduces the mass of the breast being diagnosed and ensures the immobility of the breast, an essential condition for obtaining high-quality images. The amount of X-ray used for a mammogram is very low, it does not pose any health risks, even during periodic repetitions of the exam.

Mammography with tomosynthesis

A more recent technique is mammography with tomosynthesisA stratigraphic study of the breast helps minimize the problems caused by tissue overlap, which can arise with conventional mammography. The diagnostic sensitivity of tomosynthesis mammography, compared to conventional mammography, increases by 30–40 percent.

Preparation

There is no specific preparation, neither through drugs nor diet, for mammography. The only recommendations concern a particular period of the woman's cycle and the use of cosmetic products. If menstruating, mammography should be performed, if possible, in the first half of the cycle and not after. It is preferable to avoid the use of creams, deodorants, talcum powder and creams, during the mammogram: they could interfere with the diagnostic radiation.

Is mammography free?

The National Health Service allows mammography free to all women between 50 and 69 years of age, the age at which early diagnosis is crucial. Free screening is extended to a biennial checkup. Some regions have decided to bring forward the possibility of free mammography to the age of 45. The problem is linked to the interminable waiting lists This forces many people to pay for mammography in private facilities. How much does a mammogram cost? In theory, it shouldn't cost more than €200, but some private centers charge double that.