Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and feared diseases affecting women worldwide. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes, making breast cancer screening an essential aspect of women’s healthcare. Among the various screening methods available, mammography has been a cornerstone of breast cancer detection for several decades. However, as with any medical procedure, mammography has its share of both benefits and limitations.
Benefits of Mammography:
- Early Detection: One of the most significant benefits of mammography is its ability to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Mammograms can identify small tumours and abnormalities in the breast tissue before they are palpable or cause noticeable symptoms. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and improves the chances of long-term survival.
- Reduced Mortality: Studies have consistently shown that regular mammography screenings lead to a reduction in breast cancer-related mortality. By detecting cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable, mammography plays a crucial role in saving lives and improving overall survival rates.
- Detects Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Women: Mammography can detect breast abnormalities, such as microcalcifications and masses, in asymptomatic women. This means that even in the absence of any noticeable signs or symptoms, mammography can identify potential issues, allowing for timely medical intervention.
- Minimally Invasive: Mammograms are relatively quick and non-invasive procedures. The process involves compressing the breast between two plates to obtain X-ray images. While some women may experience mild discomfort, the procedure is generally well-tolerated, making it a feasible screening option for most individuals.
- High Sensitivity: Mammography has high sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, especially in women over the age of 50. It can identify a wide range of breast abnormalities, from benign conditions to early-stage malignancies, contributing to accurate diagnoses.
- Screening Interval Flexibility: The frequency of mammography screenings can be adjusted based on individual risk factors and age. Healthcare professionals can tailor the screening schedule to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring appropriate and timely screenings.
Limitations of Mammography:
- False Positives and False Negatives: Mammograms can produce false-positive results, indicating the presence of cancer when none exists. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional follow-up tests, such as biopsies. On the other hand, false negatives can occur when a mammogram fails to detect existing breast cancer, providing a false sense of security and delaying necessary treatment.
- Radiation Exposure: Mammography involves exposure to low levels of ionising radiation to obtain X-ray images. Although the radiation dose is considered safe, repeated mammograms over time could potentially increase a woman’s cumulative exposure to radiation, raising concerns about long-term risks.
- Breast Density Impact: Breast density is a common concern affecting the accuracy of mammograms. Women with dense breast tissue have a higher proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue, making it more challenging to identify abnormalities on the mammogram. Dense breasts can mask small tumours, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.
- Limited Usefulness in Younger Women: Mammography may be less effective in detecting breast cancer in younger women, particularly those under 40, due to their dense breast tissue. As a result, mammograms may not be as sensitive or specific in this age group, potentially leading to missed diagnoses.
- Limited Detection of Certain Breast Cancers: While mammography is highly effective in detecting most breast cancers, it may be less sensitive in identifying certain types of cancers, such as lobular carcinoma, which tends to grow as scattered cells rather than forming distinct masses.