Screening Mammography: A Pilot Study on Its Pertinence in Indian Population by Means of a Camp

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer incidence and related mortality is increasing in Indian women. Indian ladies hesitate to seek medical care for breast related issues. Screening mammography, proved to effectively reduce mortality, has been deemed not feasible in Indian context due to cost considerations. The suggested alternatives have not been proven to improve mortality rates. Aim: To find the relevance of screening mammography camp among Indian women. Materials and Methods: A week long screening mammography camp was organized in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical examination was done followed by bilateral mammography. Mammograms were reported as per American College of Radiology-Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR-BIRADS) 5th edition specifications. Lesions deemed BIRADS 4 and 5 were biopsied. BIRADS 3 category findings were suggested short interval follow up. Results: A total of 118 women, ranging from 35 to 64 years of age with mean age of 49.6 years underwent mammography. Thirty ladies with dense breast compositions further underwent sonomammography. Six (5.1%) new cases of breast carcinomas were detected during this study and 28 (23.7%) cases with probably benign findings were advised short interval follow up. Conclusion: Mammography, being a proven screening modality effective in reducing mortality, needs incorporation into the nationwide program for breast cancer detection, inspite of financial considerations. Organizing mammography camps will help create awareness and encourage public to utilize services.

Keywords

• awareness
• breast cancer
• cranio-caudal view