Mammography

The Challenge

The challenge in mammography is to effectively use mammography to detect occult disease.

• Scope of the Problem: First developed in 1965 the widespread use of mammography has been credited with reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer by up to 30% since 1990. (The relative roles of imaging and improved treatment protocols in this improvement is unknown.) Unfortunately, not all women undergo appropriate screening on a regular basis. One study indicated that only 39% of women aged 50–59 years and 36% of women aged 60–69 years had undergone a mammogram in the preceding year. In another study, only 24% of women older than 65 years followed the current recommendations for annual examinations. It has been estimated that breast cancer mortality could be reduced by as much as 50% if all women older than 40 years underwent annual screening.

• Objectives: To appropriately use mammography for evaluating breast complaints and to improve compliance with screening guidelines.