This research paper examines mammography screening procedures and their critical role in early breast cancer detection. The study analyzes the purpose, methodology, and diagnostic effectiveness of mammograms, which are performed approximately 40 million times annually in the United States. The paper evaluates the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and predictive value of mammographic screening as the primary tool for detecting breast cancer up to three years earlier than physical examination alone.
Approximately 40 million mammograms are performed in the United States each year, and this assessment tool is widely regarded as the optimal method for screening women to detect breast cancer, the second most common form of cancer in American women today, as early as possible (Screening mammography, 2021). The purpose of this paper is to provide a general description of mammograms followed by a discussion concerning its purpose, how the assessment is conducted and what information is gathered in the process of its administration. In addition, the paper also presents an evaluation of the tool’s validity and reliability as well as an analysis of its sensitivity and predictive value. Finally, the paper provides a summary of the review of the literature and the key findings that emerged from the research in the conclusion.
The purpose of mammograms is to provide health care practitioners with early indications of any signs of breast cancer. The X-ray pictures generated by mammograms are considered the best assessment method for the early detection of breast cancer since this diagnostic test can detect signs of breast cancer fully 3 years earlier than they can be discerned through touch only (What is a mammogram?, 2021).
The manner in which mammograms are conducted is straightforward but the diagnostic test is commonly uncomfortable and even somewhat painful for some women (What is a mammogram?, 2021). The administration of a mammogram begins with a patient standing erect in front of a special X-ray machine. The X-ray technologist places a breast on a plate where it is squeezed horizontally and then vertically in order to obtain two or more top and bottom views as well as side views of the breast through X-ray imaging (Mammograms, 2021). In addition, the same imaging techniques are then applied to the other breast to obtain two or more horizontal and vertical X-ray images (What is a mammogram?, 2021).
The diagnostic information that is gathered by mammogram X-rays includes views of breast tissue which can detect abnormalities. A vertical or horizontal X-ray may be magnified if suspicious areas are identified in one or both breasts to facilitate accurate diagnosis (Mammograms, 2021).
Mammograms have proven track record of reliability and validity, but these values may vary significantly depending on what type of image classification system is used to interpret the X-ray images (Moreira et al., 2009). Likewise, the sensitivity of mammograms depends on the processes that are used to detect abnormalities in imaged breasts, with some newly developed techniques providing superior sensitivity levels compared to previous methods (Sowmyayani & Murugan, 2021). These factors combine to positively or negatively affect the overall predictive value of mammograms, but this diagnostic tool still remains the test of choice for the early detection of breast cancer (Sowmyayani & Murugan, 2021).
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