Mammography


What is mammography?

It is a very low-dose X-ray of the breast that is in no way harmful. It takes few minutes, and does not require the administration of drugs or contrast agents.

Is it painful?

For a good-quality mammogram, it is necessary to compress the breast during the test and this may cause short-lived pain in some women.

When should I have the test?

Women aged 50 to 69 receive a letter from their Local Health Authority inviting them to take the test every two years. The test is advised even in the absence of symptoms.

Why only women aged 50 to 69?

Scientific evidence shows that mammography is useful to reduce breast cancer mortality in women aged 50 to 69 years.
If there is a clinical suspicion, hovever, a mammogram may be performed upon medical prescription.

Can I have the test even if I dont't fall into the eligible age range?

Your general practitioner may prescribe the test at any age, if there are the appropriate indications. In this case, the test is free of charge.
Since January the 1st 2000, for women aged 45 to 69, mammography has been free of charge if the National Health System has not already paid for this test during the two previous years.

Why screen for breast cancer?

Mammography is the safest and most effective test for the early detection of breast cancer. One woman out of ten develops breast cancer in her lifetime.

What does the test detect?

Mammography may detect small changes in the breast before the onset of signs and symptoms. If these changes are diagnosed early, it is possible to have a complete healing.

How much does it cost?

Mammography is free of charge for women between 45 and 69 years of age, if the National Health System has not already paid for this test during the two previous years.

Is a General Practitioner's prescription required?

A General Practitioner's prescription is not required for the women who have received the invitation letter from their Local Health Authority.

Can I directly make an appointment for the test?

Women who periodically receive the invitation letter from their Local Health Authority and who have no symptoms should not book the test directly. In all the other cases, take advice from your general practitioner, who may decide to prescribe the test and who will tell you how to book it.

Is it possible to be given leave from work to have the test?

Yes, on your request.

May I take drugs before the test?

Yes, drugs do not influence test results.

Can I change the time and date of my appointment?

Yes, in the invitation lettere there are all the necessary instructions to change your appointment.

How accurate is the test?

Scientific evidence tells us that mammography effectively detects breast cancer in its early stages and therefore may save many lives.

Is it possible for a tumour to occur after a negative mammogram?

In rare cases, the mammography may not detect a tumour, so even if its result is negative, the onset of an early-stage cancer is possible before the next screening. Therefore it is essential to check your breast with self-examination to be aware of possible changes (thickening, lumps, changes in the skin, or discharge from the nipple). If you notice any abnormality, you should see your general practitioner immediately.

How do I receive the test results?

If the test is negative, you will receive the results by mail. If the result is equivocal the screening centre will call you to arrange further investigation and possibly your treatment plan.

If I'm called by the centre for further investigation, what other tests should I have?

The next step depends on the test result: in some cases repeating the mammography is enough, in others an ultrasound scan or a biopsy (sampling a small amount of tissue) is required. The recall should not worry you: initially suspicious changes are often ruled out by subsequent tests.

And while waiting for the next call?

Even if the test result is negative, it is possible that a tumour develops before the following screening. Therefore it is essential to check your breast with self-examination to be aware of possible changes (thickening, lumps, changes in the skin, or discharge from the nipple). If you notice any abnormality, you should see your general practitioner.

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