Mammography is the test that presents the best cost-benefit ratio for detecting breast cancer, since when performed annually by women over 40 years of age it contributes to reducing mortality from the disease.

This is not only because early detection and diagnosis increase the chances of cure, but also because clinical and surgical treatment at the earliest stage of the disease allows for a less aggressive or mutilating approach.

Check out the article of the Brazilian Society of Mastology that explains in detail the medical study that proves the importance of the annual mammogram.

BREAST CANCER IN BRAZIL AND THE WORLD

Cancer is becoming the number one cause of death from disease worldwide, and breast cancer kills the most women. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a 46% increase in breast cancer cases in the Americas by the year 2030, with a concentration of 57% of cases diagnosed in women under the age of 65 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Click here to check out the WHO study.

WHAT IS MAMMOGRAPHY AND HOW IS IT DONE?

Mammography is an X-ray examination performed in a device called a mammography machine. During the exam, the patient's breast is compressed between two acrylic plates to allow a better view of the breast structures.

Through this procedure, it is possible to detect benign lesions and cancers at an early stage, enabling the detection of nodules that are not discovered during self-examination or routine consultations.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MAMMOGRAMS BE DONE?

The highest incidence of the disease occurs in the age group of 50 to 69 years. However, in Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Mastology (SBM), the Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem (CBR) and the Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FEBRASGO) recommend annual mammography for women over 40 years of age, aiming at early diagnosis and mortality reduction.

Women who have an increased risk, i.e. patients with cases of breast cancer before the age of 50 in close relatives such as mother and/or sister or with a family history of bilateral breast cancer, ovarian cancer or male breast cancer, should start medical follow-up from the age of 30.

Click here and see the article by the Brazilian Society of Mastology on the recommendation of annual mammography for women over 40 years of age.

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About Américas Amigas and donations of mammography exams

For every R$100.00 raised, Americas Amigasenables a mammogram for a low-income woman. This can help her to have an early diagnosis, enabling a greater chance of cure against breast cancer.

Help us in the fight against breast cancer.

To make your donation, click here!

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