For women aged 35 and older, mammography is the primary imaging method for examining the mammary gland. An ultrasound examination of the breast may also be performed as a complementary examination alongside mammography.
For women under 35, a breast ultrasound is performed first, followed by consideration of further examinations if necessary. If suspicious changes are detected, a tissue sample is always taken during imaging under local anesthesia.
In some cases, mammary gland MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is also performed.
Mammography is also used for breast cancer screening in asymptomatic women. You can read more about screening on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The aim of screening is to detect breast cancer as early as possible, when the prognosis for treatment is good.
Women aged 50–69 are invited to breast cancer screening by personal letter every 20–26 months based on population registry data. The screening result is sent by personal letter. If further examinations are needed based on the screening, you will receive an invitation to them and possibly to subsequent procedures and treatments.
If you have questions about the schedule or invitation for your own screening, contact the health services of your municipality of residence.