Brjóstakrabbameinsskoðanir

Brjóstakrabbameinsskoðanir is the Icelandic term for breast cancer screening. This refers to medical examinations performed on women who have no symptoms of breast cancer, with the goal of detecting the disease at an early stage. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

The most common form of breast cancer screening is mammography, which is an X-ray of the breast. Guidelines for mammography screening vary by country, but generally recommend regular screenings for women within a certain age range, typically starting in their 40s or 50s. In Iceland, organized breast cancer screening programs are in place, with specific age groups invited for mammography.

Besides mammography, clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare professional and breast self-awareness are also components of breast cancer screening. Breast self-awareness encourages women to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts so they can report any changes promptly. If a screening reveals a suspicious finding, further diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or biopsy, may be recommended to determine if cancer is present. Participation in screening programs is an important part of women's health management.