Prof. Dr. Rahmi Çubuk

Breast Diseases

Breast Diseases

What is Breast Cancer Screening ?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, and its prevalence increases with age. Since the 1970s, breast cancer screening programs have been developed to detect the disease at an early stage. The goal of these screening programs is to identify breast cancer before it spreads to the lymph nodes, ensuring timely and effective treatment.

Methods of Breast Cancer Screening:

  1. Mammography:
    • Gold Standard: Mammography is the most widely used method for breast cancer screening worldwide. It involves taking two X-ray images of each breast, which are then evaluated by a radiologist, often comparing them with previous images if available. Mammography is the primary tool for breast cancer screening.
  2. Ultrasound and MRI:
    • Supplementary Methods: While mammography is typically sufficient for screening, ultrasound and breast MRI are sometimes used in combination with mammography. They are not used as standalone methods for breast cancer screening, but they can provide additional insights, particularly in certain cases where mammography alone might not be enough.

Why is Breast Ultrasound Used in Cancer Screening?

Women have different breast tissue types and densities, and dense breast tissue can make it more challenging for mammograms to detect cancer accurately. In such cases, breast ultrasound is used in addition to mammography to increase the sensitivity and detection rates of breast cancer.

Why is Breast MRI Used in Cancer Screening?

Certain women are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. These women have a lifetime risk of breast cancer above 20%, placing them in a high-risk group. For women in this group, annual breast MRI screening is recommended in addition to mammography, as MRI provides more detailed images of the breast tissue and can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.

When Should Breast Cancer Screening Begin?

In both Turkey and globally, breast cancer screening typically starts at the age of 40. For women at average risk for breast cancer, the recommended age for starting mammography is 40. The Ministry of Health of Turkey recommends that women aged 40-69 undergo mammographic screening every two years. However, the Turkish Radiology Association advises annual mammography starting at age 40.

In summary, breast cancer screening is an essential practice for early detection, and different methods like mammography, ultrasound, and MRI are used depending on the individual’s risk and tissue density.