Reduction in Mortality: Early detection through mammography can significantly lower breast cancer mortality rates. Better Treatment Outcomes: Detecting cancer early can lead to less aggressive treatments and better patient outcomes.
However, there are also risks associated with mammography:
False Positives: Mammograms can sometimes indicate the presence of cancer when there is none, leading to unnecessary anxiety and additional tests. False Negatives: Mammograms might miss some cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Radiation Exposure: Although the exposure is low, repeated mammograms contribute to cumulative radiation dose over time.