Screening Mammography: A Preliminary Study On its Significance

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer screening is a crucial preventative measure for finding early indicators of cancer even in the absence of symptoms. A common type of cancer that is a major factor in women's mortality is breast cancer. For the purpose of preserving lives, early and precise diagnosis is crucial. For women with moderate risk, annual screening is advised beginning at age 40, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR). However, due to financial constraints, certain nations have difficulty implementing efficient screening techniques like mammography. To enhance early diagnosis and lower mortality rates, especially in high-risk populations like Pakistani women, it is critical to increase awareness of the value of cancer screening and investigate practical alternatives.
Objective:. To evaluate the effectiveness of mammography screening, clinical breast examination, and self-examination in lowering breast cancer mortality in older, average-risk women as well as the risks connected with screening.

Materials and Methods: Aliya Begum Cancer Diagnostic Centre in Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan, hosted a one-day screening mammography camp. This cross-sectional methodological study included twenty female participants who were at least 40 years old. We evaluated the concept, face, and content validity of a questionnaire on breast cancer screening beliefs. Following a clinical evaluation, bilateral mammography was done. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR-BIRADS) fifth edition guidelines were followed while reporting mammogram results.

Results: Twenty women with an average age of 48.6 years underwent mammography, with ages ranging from 40 to 65. The behaviours associated with breast cancer screening—breast awareness, clinical breast examination, and mammography—were found to be strongly correlated with attitudes towards routine physical examinations and the perception of mammographic screening obstacles.

Conclusion: Regardless of cost constraints, a national program for the diagnosis of breast cancer must include mammography, a tried-and-true screening technology. Mammography camps can be a very effective way to spread knowledge about these services and encourage people to use them.