Overview

• Mammography is reaffirmed as the gold standard for early detection, identifying changes that may not be felt or seen clinically.
• Breast ultrasound is emphasized as a complementary study that clarifies dense-breast tissue, evaluates abnormalities seen on screening, and guides biopsies.
• Ultrasound is not a substitute for mammography, with limited use as the first-line test during pregnancy or when assessing a reconstructed breast after mastectomy.
• When a screening result is abnormal, further evaluation may include targeted ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy, and IMSS data indicate about one in ten suspicious mammograms confirms cancer.
• Official recommendations cite biennial screening for most women aged 40 to 69, while a specialist quoted recommends annual mammography beginning at age 40 and earlier or more intensive imaging for high-risk individuals.