What is Mammography?

Mammography is a form of diagnostic radiation that is used in the detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer can affect any person (both males and females can be diagnosed with breast cancer) and it can affect any person at any age. Most often, older women are the most likely to have breast cancer, which is why early screenings are recommended to start at age 40-50. The age at which a woman should begin early mammographic screenings depends on a few factors. Often doctors will suggest an earlier age for screening due to a family history of breast cancer. Since breast cancer is hereditary, if family members have had the disease, other women in next generations are going to be more likely to also be diagnosed with the disease. Another factor involved in early screening age-determination is a past history of previous breast cancer. If a person has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is very likely the doctor will recommend continued screenings to ensure the cancer has not reappeared. [1]