Digital Mammography

Who should be examined?

Women from age 40 (occasionally even younger) should take precautions and have a mammogram done at least every two years.

Given certain risk factors an annual mammogram, sonogram and in some cases also an MRI of the breast is sensible.  Patients, who have felt knots in their breast, should get a mammogram without delay.

The risk factors for breast cancer are

• Family history:  The risk is increased when mother, sister or daughter has or had
   breast cancer.
• Smoking:   Tobacco consumption increases the risk of cancer.
• Age:  The probability of breast cancer increases with age.  Women over 60 are at the
   highest risk.
• Personal history:  Breast cancer in one breast increases the risk of the other breast.
• Hormonal factors:  Early start of menstruation and/or late start of menopause