Mammography is a mandatory study of the state of the mammary glands for women. It allows us to detect serious breast diseases at the earliest stages of their formation and choose the most effective range of their treatment.
How often can mammograms be done for young women?
The effectiveness of mammography reaches 97% and this is an indicator for the most frequent choice of specialists for this research method. From the age of 40, women are advised to regularly see a mammologist for examination
and have a mammogram once every two years. After 45 years of age, you should visit a doctor for a breast examination every year, if necessary, also do a mammogram.
For women of a younger age, the mammography method is practically not informative: up to 35-40 years old, the mammary gland is largely composed of fibrous tissue, which, when examined, does not allow one to see possible neoplasms in the mammary gland. Therefore, if breast disease is suspected, patients under 40 years of age are prescribed MRI mammography (MRI of the mammary glands) or ultrasound diagnostics.
Modern X-ray machines have a minimal effect on the body, so there are practically no contraindications to mammography.
How often should women get mammograms?
With age, the protective functions and hormonal levels of the body weaken, and the risk of various breast diseases increases. During this period, monitoring the health and visual changes of the mammary glands should be especially careful. The data of extensive WHO studies recommend special prescriptions about how often mammography should be done, especially for women after 50 years: for a general examination once a year, and if there is a history of diseases, 2 times.
Of course, the indications for mammography do not depend only on the age group of the patient. If unusual, unusual sensations occur in the chest or other changes are observed, then this is undoubtedly a reason for consulting a specialist and immediate examination at any age.
