Frequently asked questions
- What is Breast Cancer Screening?
Screening for breast cancer involves recognition of a previously unrecognized disease using screening test - mammography examination in apparently healthy women for early detection of breast cancer, when the disease is easier to treat and when there is the greatest chance of recovery.
- Why am I being called?
Organized screening for breast cancer using screening mammography, include all women aged 50 to 69 years. For this population of women the organized screening has shown the best results in early detection of breast cancer. In fact, the analysis of breast cancer trends in Europe has shown trends growth in women older than 50 years. Therefore the organized screening in Serbia according to the European recommendations is for women 50-69 years of age.
- In what situations should the breast cancer screening be repeated?
According to the European standardized findings and recommendations, screening mammography in organized screening is repeated every two years for the population of women aged 50 to 69 years.
- Why does organized breast cancer screening not include women under the age of 50?
Screening mammography is not as effective in younger women because the density of the breast tissue makes it more difficult to detect problems and also because the incidence of breast cancer in younger women is lower.
- How is screening mammography performed?
Mammographic breast imaging is performed by trained radiology technicians. Examination includes an X-ray during which the breast is placed between two plates and carefully and firmly compressed in order to record the image. During the examination the other breast is being recorded in the same way.
- Is screening mammography painful?
During screening mammography each breast is placed between two plates and firmly and carefully compressed to allow recording. The compression only lasts a few seconds and for most women it is painless, although some women may experience mild discomfort or short-lived pain.
- Is screening mammogram harmful?
Mammography as the method of breast cancer screening is an internationally recognized diagnostic method for the early detection of breast cancer, followed by quality control. The dose of radiation to which each participant is exposed during the examination is acceptable. Studies worldwide show that screening mammography as a method of early detection of breast cancer for women, has more benefit than harm.
- Does screening mammography save lives?
Most international experts agree that early detection of breast cancer using screening mammography saves lives, because detecting breast cancer in early stages increases the chance of recovery using conserving surgical intervention. It also reduces disability and improves quality of life.
- Do I have to pay for screening mammography?
Screening mammography in an organized screening program is free for all participants.
- I'm 50 and I still have not received an invitation for breast cancer screening.
Organized national program for the early detection of breast cancer involves inviting all women aged 50 to 69 years. The program is introduced gradually in municipalities in the Republic of Serbia, with the provision of all necessary conditions for the proper conduct of organized screening for breast cancer. One cycle of screening lasts two years and during these two years all women from target population will be invited for screening.
- My sister received an invitation for breast cancer screening even though she is younger than I am.
In the course of two years which is duration of one cycle of breast cancer screening, all women in the target population will be consecutively invited in a certain order; therefore you will also be invited in this cycle of screening.
- I have found a lump in the breast. Can you tell me how I can get a mammogram?
If you have found a lump in your breast, you should immediately contact your doctor to agree on further diagnostics and treatment. Screening mammography in an organized screening program invites apparently healthy women with no visible changes in the breast. It is not aimed at women who already have symptoms.
- My results of screening mammography are in order. What happens after?
If your screening mammography results are in order, after two years you will be invited to perform the following mammography in the new cycle of screening. In the meantime, if you notice any changes in your breast, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Does the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy increase the risk of breast cancer?
The risk of breast cancer is increased in women who use Hormone Replacement Therapy for several years. The risk increases with duration of use and returns to baseline within a few years of stopping treatment.
- How reliable is the screening mammography?
Currently, screening mammography provides the most accurate results in early detection of breast cancer, as well as new methods of breast cancer treatment and surgery provide a good treatment outcome and increase the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.
- What are the experiences of other countries in the organized screening?
Studies show that for every 1,000 women, included in organized screening every two years, 7-9 women less die before 79 years of age.