Mammography is one of the most efficient early detection methods for breast cancer. When women and men have greater access to these screenings, they are more likely to have regular checks, improving the likelihood of discovering cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Access to mammography also means shorter wait times and shorter turnaround times for test findings.
This enables Doctors to diagnose breast cancer more quickly, allowing for earlier treatment. Detecting breast cancer in its early stages often leads to better treatment outcomes and higher survival rates. Patients have a better chance of complete recovery and fewer complications.
According to Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon, it should be made accessible to a wider population in India for several compelling reasons:
Early Detection Saves Lives
Mammography is a powerful tool for early breast cancer detection. When breast cancer is caught in its early stages, it is often more treatable and has a higher chance of a successful outcome.
Also read: Ultrasound Or Mammogram: Which Is Better To Diagnose A Breast Cancer
High Incidence of Breast Cancer
India has seen a significant rise in the incidence of breast cancer in recent years. Making mammography more accessible is crucial to address this growing health concern.
Gender Equality
Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Expanding access to mammography ensures that both women and men have the opportunity to detect and address potential health issues promptly.
Reduce Healthcare Disparities
Expanding access to mammography can help bridge healthcare disparities, ensuring that even underserved and marginalised populations have a fair chance at early detection and treatment.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Early detection is not only life-saving but also cost-effective. Treating cancer in its later stages is much more expensive and often less effective.
Improved Quality of Life
Detecting breast cancer at an early stage not only increases survival rates but also improves the quality of life for survivors.
Also read: Rare Breast Cancers: What Are The Advancements In Treating It
Why Is It Important To Make Mammography Widely Available
“Breast Cancer has been a significant health concern worldwide. Mammography screening is an essential tool in the early detection of breast cancer and making it accessible to a wider population is imperative for several reasons,” said Mr Satyaki Banerjee, Executive Director and Group Chief Operating Officer, Trivitron Healthcare Private Limited.
Primarily, increasing accessibility to mammography screening is important as it directly corresponds with early diagnosis of breast cancer. Early detection is the single most significant factor in improving survival rates and reducing the severity of the disease. When breast cancer is identified at an early, localised stage, the chances of successful treatment and survival are significantly higher. By extending access to mammography imaging, we can detect cancer in its earliest stage, allowing for less invasive treatments and ultimately better outcomes.
Facilitating expanded accessibility to mammography screening addresses health disparities. Historically, certain demographic groups, such as low-income individuals, minorities, and those in rural areas, have faced barriers in accessing healthcare, including breast cancer screening. Making mammography screenings more widely available helps bridge this gap and ensures that the underserved population has the same opportunities for early detection and treatment as the rest.
Also, greater accessibility encourages proactive healthcare. Women are more likely to prioritise their breast health and undergo regular screenings when these are convenient and affordable. This proactive approach can lead to improved breast cancer outcomes by detecting tumours before they become more advanced or aggressive.
Increasing accessibility to mammography screening is cost-effective in the long run. Detecting breast cancer at an advanced stage requires more extensive and expensive treatments, placing a heavy burden on the healthcare system. In contrast, early detection through widespread mammography scan results in less invasive treatments, shorter hospital stays, and overall, low healthcare costs.