What is the purpose of Screening Mammography?

The purpose of screening mammography is primarily to detect breast cancer early. This type of imaging is specifically designed to identify signs of breast cancer, often before symptoms appear or before the disease progresses to a more advanced stage. Early detection through screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes, allowing for interventions that can be less invasive and more successful.

Screening mammography plays a critical role in women’s health by allowing for the identification of tumors while they are still small and possibly localized, which can lead to more effective treatment and better prognoses. It is not designed to treat breast cancer, evaluate breast health comprehensively like a clinical examination would, or monitor hormone levels, which would require different tests or assessments. Thus, the focus on early detection is what makes screening mammography an essential tool in the fight against breast cancer.