Imaging
Mammography
Screening mammogram · Breast cancer screening
The standard screening tool for breast cancer in women. Cadence is the most-debated detail in screening medicine.
What it measures
Low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue, used to detect early breast cancer before clinical presentation. Modern 2D and 3D (digital breast tomosynthesis) variants improve detection in dense breasts.
Reference context
0 guideline sources
Birads scoring (0–6) is the standard report. Higher-density breasts have lower sensitivity; supplementary ultrasound or MRI may be discussed.
Population context — consult guideline targets below
Mechanism
Why moving this marker matters
Early-stage breast cancer is generally more treatable. Population-level screening reduces breast-cancer mortality in women at average risk, with the largest absolute benefit in those over 50.
How to measure
The test, where to get it, when to repeat
Method
Brief X-ray procedure, 15–20 minutes. Two views per breast. Modest discomfort from compression. Radiation dose ~0.4 mSv per study.
Where
Hospital radiology, dedicated breast-screening clinics, mobile screening units. Most public systems offer organised screening for eligible age cohorts.
Typical cost
Public screening: free for eligible cohorts. Private: €60–180.
Fasting
Not required
When to test
USPSTF 2024
40–74femaleBiennial screening for women 40–74 at average risk.
NICE / UK NHS BSP
50–71femaleTriennial screening offered from 50–71.
EU Cancer Screening Recommendation 2022
45–74femaleOrganised screening 50–69 biennially; consider extending to 45–74 in some Member States.
Where to scan
Providers offering this imaging study
No direct-to-consumer provider currently in our directory for this scan — your GP, cardiologist, or radiologist can refer you.
Context
Reading the numbers
Birads scoring (0–6) is the standard report. Higher-density breasts have lower sensitivity; supplementary ultrasound or MRI may be discussed.
Caveats
Overdiagnosis is a real and contested feature of breast screening — some lesions found would never have caused harm. Discuss the absolute benefit vs harm balance with your physician.
Take to your physician
Worth discussing
- Whether your family history or genetic background changes the recommended start age.
- Whether breast density warrants supplementary screening.
- How to weigh the overdiagnosis vs early-detection trade-off in your situation.
Sources
Cited literature
Edited by Carl Pöhl, MD · Healicus editorial
Last reviewed May 2026
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