Breast cancer detection: improving the efficacy of screening mammography

Throughout the history of medicine, screening measures have had a positive impact in the early detection of numerous types of cancer. Mammography is a viable screening tool for breast cancer, especially if it is utilized by the entire population. Overcoming limitations such as uniformed patients, reluctant physicians, high cost, misconceptions regarding radiation and inconsistent accuracy will allow more women to be screened effectively. Mammographic screening does not prevent breast cancer, but by aiding detection it may prolong survival and prevent death from the disease. Increased awareness and involvement by patients and physicians, coupled with modern techniques of mammographic screening, may diminish the ever-constant mortality rate of breast cancer.