What is digital screening mammography?
Screening mammography is a special X-ray used to image breast tissue for the early detection of breast cancer. 2. Why is it done? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women in the United States. Regular mammogram screenings play a key role in the early detection of breast cancer, leading to earlier treatment and better outcomes. Screening mammograms can help detect the earliest signs of breast cancer, long before there are signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older have a mammogram every year. If breast cancer runs in your family, you may want to begin screenings much earlier. You can discuss your situation with your doctor for the best plan. 3. What are the risks? Mammography does use X-rays, so you will be exposed to a very low dosage of radiation. However, the levels of radiation used are so small that the risk of cell damage is extremely low and the benefits that screening
