Which screening test is recommended for women to detect breast cancer?

Mammography is the recommended screening test for women to detect breast cancer due to its efficacy in identifying breast abnormalities, particularly in women aged 40 and older. Mammograms utilize low-energy X-rays to create images of breast tissue, allowing for the detection of tumors that may be too small to feel during a physical examination. This screening method has been proven to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality by facilitating early detection and treatment.

While MRI and ultrasound can be useful in certain circumstances—such as for women with a high risk of breast cancer or to further evaluate abnormalities found on a mammogram—they are not first-line screening tools for the general population. The clinical breast examination, performed by a healthcare provider, is less sensitive than mammography and may not detect small tumors, making it insufficient as a stand-alone screening method. Therefore, mammography remains the gold standard for routine breast cancer screening.