Healthcare with Confidence
Mammography in Israel: Early Detection That Saves Lives
Mammography is a fast and non-invasive X-ray test used to detect and diagnose tumors in the breast and armpit areas. It plays a key role in the early detection of breast cancer and is widely used as a screening tool in Israel.
Why Mammography Matters
While mammography cannot definitively diagnose cancerous tumors or microcalcifications on its own, it can often detect abnormalities before they can be felt manually. For a complete diagnosis, additional tests may be needed, such as:
- Breast ultrasound
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Biopsy
However, as a first step, mammography is a highly effective screening tool, especially for women with no visible symptoms.
Who Should Get a Mammogram?
Israeli doctors recommend annual or biennial mammography for women over 40. Regular screening can detect cancer at its earliest stage, when the chance of full recovery is as high as 90%.
High-Risk Groups:
- Women with a first-degree relative (mother or sister) who had breast cancer.
- Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
- Women who had chest radiation therapy, especially before childbearing age (e.g., for Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
- Women with a 20% or higher lifetime risk of breast cancer.
The Israeli Ministry of Health recommends that women in these risk groups undergo breast MRI annually in addition to mammography.
Manual Exams and Surgeon Check-ups
For women at normal risk, it is advised to have:
- Annual check-up with a breast surgeon
- Annual imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound)
Note: Manual breast exams alone have not been shown to reduce mortality, so they should be combined with imaging.
What to Expect During the Test
- The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- A brief compression of the breast may cause mild discomfort or pain for a few seconds.
- On the day of the exam, do not use deodorant, talcum powder, or lotions on your chest or underarms.
What to Do If You Notice Changes
If you discover any changes in your breast, contact us. We will arrange:
- An urgent consultation with a breast surgeon
- All necessary imaging: mammography, breast ultrasound, or MRI
- Genetic testing (BRCA1/2), if indicated
- Visit to the hospital
- A translated medical report with diagnosis and treatment recommendations (it can me a surgery / a medication treatment / a radiation treatment or other)
If surgery is required (lumpectomy or mastectomy), we will coordinate the procedure at a leading Israeli hospital based on your doctor’s recommendations.
Available Diagnostic Procedures in Israel
- Bilateral or unilateral mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided FNA (fine needle aspiration)
- Stereotactic biopsy with pathology
- FNL (Fine Needle Localization)
- Mammotome biopsy
- Galactography (for nipple discharge)
- MRI or mammography-guided FNA
If you have questions, need help with diagnosis, or want to plan a mammography or breast cancer consultation in Israel — reach out to us.
