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Introduction to Breast Cancer and Chemoprevention
Risk Reduction
Mammograms

Mammography is the process of emitting a low-dose X-ray beam through a portion of the breast while the breast is compressed between a plastic paddle and a film holder. The result is a black and white negative displaying the fatty tissue, the ducts and lobes within the breast and possibly an abnormality. Mammography is classified in two categories: screening mammography and diagnostic mammography. Screening mammography usually involves taking two pictures of each breast, one in a lateral position, the other vertical, and includes all healthy women.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years and over get a mammogram once a year. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women over 50 have annual mammograms. Meanwhile, women under 50 should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of screening mammography then decide for themselves whether to undergo the procedure.

Taking a regular mammogram is currently at the heart of the early detection of breast cancer – which is, arguably, the critical factor in prevention and treatment of the disease.

Over 100 million women (50-69 years old) had a mammogram performed on them in 2007.

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According to the US Census Bureau, the potential market for mammograms in the detection of breast cancer in the USA, Japan, Western Europe, South East Asia, and Australia in 2007 was 306 million women (25-80 years old).