Guidelines for high quality mammography screening

Mammography is a method of choice for breast screening characterized with great effectiveness in early detection of breast cancer. High quality mammography means the best image quality with minimal breast radiation. The aim of this review is to determine the factors that reduce the MGD (mean glandular dose) in order to achieve minimal breast radiation without compromising the image quality. The implementation of quality standards in mammography screening includes the following activities: technological improvements, optimal calibration of the equipment in mammography centers according to the breast thickness and tissue composition, adequate assessment of the mean glandular dose and elimination of the present causes for poor quality mammograms. These recommendations are dedicated to the medical staff in radiology centers, and to the physicians who have clinical practice with female population undergoing a regular mammography screening. Quality control in standard mammography screening examination can contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer.