MammographyOncology
Mammography is the best tool doctors use to screen healthy women for breast cancer because it can reduce the risk of death from the condition. There are risks involved with any medical test, mammography is not exempted. These risks are, the possibility of additional testing and anxiety if the test falsely shows a suspicious finding, called a “false-positive” result. In most cases (10% to 15% of the time), mammography will not show existing cancer, called a “false-negative” result.
Digital mammography is preferred to detect breast cancers, especially in wen with dense breasts. A new form of mammogram called tomosynthesis [3] or 3D mammography has just been developed. It can boost the ability to detect small cancers and lower the need to repeat tests due to false positives.
However, doctors are faced with the challenge of diagnosing issues in the breast that would otherwise not be noticed and would lead to negative consequences. This is known as “overdiagnosis” and may lead to overtreatment with a potential for harm. This method is approved by the FDA, though research on it is ongoing.