Pearls and Practical Tips of Mammography: What Nurses and Midwives Should Know

Abstract

Early detection is of great significance in breast cancer; if the tumour is identified at an early stage, the treatment will be more straightforward, and it could prevent the metastasis of the tumour to other tissues. Screening would be an efficacious strategy that discriminates asymptomatic patients and healthy individuals in the early stages. Breast cancer screening involves Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast-Examination (CBE), imaging methods such as mammography, oncologic assessment, and diagnostic surgical techniques. Healthcare professionals are in charge of the early detection of breast cancer. Accordingly, raising the awareness, knowledge and skills of midwives, nurses, and other medical staff is necessary. The most reliable and available method of breast screening would be mammography. We aim at reviewing the necessary points of mammography. This article introduces mammography as an essential means of screening, the indications and practical tips, and mammographic features of some breast diseases in women. Along with the advanced equipment of mammography, other determinant factors such as age, the time of mammography, the patient’s preparation, the relief of stress, operator’s skill, and procedure are explained. Moreover, the practical features of mammograms and other complementary methods, such as Galactography, pneumo-cystography, and magnification mammography techniques are considered. Overall, the proper application and the correct interpretation of the screening and mammography play a crucial role in the early detection and survival of patients.