Method
In Australia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. More than 20,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Although the number of people being diagnosed is increasing, more people than ever are surviving this disease.
VDX Radiology we offer in depth mammogram examinations, servicing many clients both regionally and in metro areas each year.
Mammography is a type of x-ray of the breasts used to screen for breast cancer and used to help diagnose the early detection of breast cancer.
Execution
According to the Cancer Council a screening mammogram is recommended for all women aged 50 to 74, provided they have been informed about the risks (see below) as well as the benefits of screening.
Every two years, mammography screening is freely available to women aged 50 to 74, under the BreastScreen Australia program.
Women aged 40-49 and those aged over 74 can also be screened free of charge, but they will not receive invitation letters like the previous age groups.
At VDX Radiology, we use world class digital X-ray devices and work with lower radiation doses.
Benefits of Mammography
- Early detection of not yet palpable, small and symptom-free tumours.
- Mammography optimises the therapy options and improves the chances of recovery.
- Australia's BreastScreen program published in 2009 found that the program had reduced breast cancer mortality in Australia by between 21 and 28%. Subsequent studies have estimated mortality reduction benefits ranging from 34 to 50%.
Patient information
- Invitation to mammography screening by Breastscreen.
- Creation of mammography images of the breast by a specially qualified radiographer.
- Independent double diagnosis by specially trained specialists.
- A letter with the result will be sent to you within a week by your doctor.
If there are any noticeable changes on the X-ray images, an invitation to a clarification diagnosis will be issued to the patient. This includes a clinical examination and a discussion with a doctor responsible for the examination, supplementary breast ultrasound examination and possibly additional mammographic images of the breast.
Unclear findings can be clarified histologically by a targeted tissue removal (biopsy) with minimally invasive biopsy procedures. The results will be available in 24-48 hours and will be communicated to you by your physician in a personal session/interview.
