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Breast cancer screening
Breast tumours can develop slowly as a result of the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of specific cells in the mammary gland. Early diagnosis can be obtained by taking a mammography to detect a tumour before it becomes palpable.
Women aged 50 to 69
080 2442901
How the test is performed
The test consists of a mammography, i.e. an X-ray of the breasts. During the process, each breast is placed on a flat surface and compressed between two plates, with two X-ray images taken one horizontally and one vertically to produce images called mammograms.
A mammography is a safe test because it uses low-intensity X-rays to examine the structure and shape of the breast. The test takes only a few minutes and is not painful. If you are premenstrual or breastfeeding you may feel some discomfort during the test. Pregnant women, however, are advised to postpone the test since X-rays are dangerous for the foetus.
The method is performed using state-of-the-art imaging equipment and a double reading of the mammograms is recommended by two radiologists. These are highly qualified professionals who meet specific quality standards. If even one of the two doctors finds an abnormality or something suspicious, you will be invited by telephone to undergo follow-up tests.
Why only the mammography?
it is simple to perform
it is quick, taking only 5-10 minutes in all
it is safe, because it uses low-intensity X-rays
it is highly specific
Communicating the risults
The local health authority will notify you of a negative screening result by letter. The prevention programme, however, continues and after two years you will receive an invitation to repeat the test.
If the result comes out positive, the Asl will invite you in for follow-up tests, also free of charge. There’s no need to worry as it doesn’t mean that you’ve got cancer but that it is always best to be on the safe side and take the recommended tests for early diagnosis and cancer prevention.
None of these tests are mandatory and all expenses are covered by the regional health service.
If the mammogram shows abnormalities in the breast, the screening process continues with follow-up tests.
These may include an ultrasound scan, an MRI scan, needle aspiration or other exams that may be decided by the healthcare team.
Although it is understandable to be worried, it helps to think that prevention is a journey we take together and that putting it off or leaving things to fate will definitely not save us, while a mammogram can!
