mammography

[ ma-mog-ruh-fee ]

noun

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

mammography

/ mæˈmɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

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

mammography

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈmammoˌgraph, noun

Other Words From

• mam·mo·graph·ic [mam-, uh, -, graf, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mammography¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times

The retrospective study compared two groups of women between the ages of 50 and 69 who underwent biennial mammography screening in the Capital Region of Denmark.

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

Citing rising breast cancer rates in young women, an expert panel on Tuesday recommended starting regular mammography screening at age 40, reversing longstanding and controversial guidance that most women wait until 50.

From New York Times

Despite research demonstrating that consistent participation in screening mammography can reduce breast cancer deaths by 40%, only 50% or less of eligible women actually participate in annual screening.

From Science Daily