mammography

American  

[ma-mog-ruh-fee] / mæˈmɒg rə fi /

noun

1. x-ray photography of a breast, especially for detection of tumors.

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mammography British  

/ mæˈmɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the technique of using X-rays to examine the breast in the early detection of cancer

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mammography Cultural  

1. Examination of the breasts using x-rays. Mammography is useful in locating tumors of the breast that are too small to be detected by other means.

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Other Word Forms

• mammograph noun
• mammographic adjective

Etymology

Origin of mammography

First recorded in 1935–40; mamm(a) ² + -o- + -graphy

Example Sentences

The highest risk group, accounting for 2% of participants, was advised to receive screening twice a year, alternating between mammography and MRI, regardless of age.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

Badal is “excited” about AI mammography models, and she’s studying risk-based screening through her own work.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

Johnson said she believes this could help the recruitment of more radiographers and open up the job to more qualified people because "mammography doesn't get as much publicity" as other health professions.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2025

Preventive Services Task Force cited recently for lowering the age for starting mammography screening to 40 again from 50.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

The mammography recommendation has a “B” grade, meaning it has moderate net benefit.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024