Tests for breast cancer

New imaging technology has changed almost every aspect of medical care, and mammography, the main form of breast cancer screening, is no exception. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital mammography are now available, either to complement the standard mammogram or, in the case of digital mammogram, possibly to replace it.

The standard mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast developed on film. It can find 85% to 90% of breast cancers, including lumps far too small to be felt. In women who get screened regularly, 40% of breast cancers are discovered by a mammogram alone.

source: Harvard Health Publications