Digital Mammography and Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for nearly 13.5% of all new cancer cases and about 10% of cancer-related deaths annually. Alarmingly, one in 60 women in rural India and one in 28 women in urban India will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The situation is far more concerning when compared to developed nations, where early detection rates are significantly higher.
One of the key reasons for late diagnosis in India is the absence of a structured nationwide breast cancer screening program. Limited awareness, lack of access to advanced diagnostic facilities, socio-cultural taboos, and the tendency to ignore painless early lumps all contribute to delayed detection. As a result, nearly 70% of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage, whereas in developed countries, the majority are detected early.
Mammography plays a vital role in bridging this gap. It is a specialized imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities in breast tissue before symptoms appear. There are two types: screening mammography for early detection in asymptomatic women and diagnostic mammography for evaluating suspicious findings.
Digital mammography represents a major advancement over conventional systems. It provides clearer, high-resolution images, allows detection of cancers as small as 2 mm, reduces discomfort during the procedure, and minimizes unnecessary recalls and biopsies. In contrast, lumps detected by touch are often over 20 mm in size, by which time the disease may have progressed.
Medical evidence shows that annual mammography for women above 40 years can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 40%. Importantly, 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or known risk factors. When detected early, the five-year survival rate approaches nearly 100%.
At North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat, Guwahati, our state-of-the-art digital mammography system enables precise and reliable early detection. Early diagnosis is the strongest defense against breast cancer. Awareness, timely screening, and action can truly save lives.
The best prevention is early detection.
One of the key reasons for late diagnosis in India is the absence of a structured nationwide breast cancer screening program. Limited awareness, lack of access to advanced diagnostic facilities, socio-cultural taboos, and the tendency to ignore painless early lumps all contribute to delayed detection. As a result, nearly 70% of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage, whereas in developed countries, the majority are detected early.
Mammography plays a vital role in bridging this gap. It is a specialized imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities in breast tissue before symptoms appear. There are two types: screening mammography for early detection in asymptomatic women and diagnostic mammography for evaluating suspicious findings.
Digital mammography represents a major advancement over conventional systems. It provides clearer, high-resolution images, allows detection of cancers as small as 2 mm, reduces discomfort during the procedure, and minimizes unnecessary recalls and biopsies. In contrast, lumps detected by touch are often over 20 mm in size, by which time the disease may have progressed.
Medical evidence shows that annual mammography for women above 40 years can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 40%. Importantly, 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or known risk factors. When detected early, the five-year survival rate approaches nearly 100%.
At North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat, Guwahati, our state-of-the-art digital mammography system enables precise and reliable early detection. Early diagnosis is the strongest defense against breast cancer. Awareness, timely screening, and action can truly save lives.
The best prevention is early detection.