mammography

noun

mam·​mog·​ra·​phy ma-ˈmä-grə-fē 

: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)

mammographic

ˌma-mə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

Examples of mammography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While mammography does save lives by catching cancer earlier, fewer than 70% of eligible women are up to date on their screenings, the study found. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024

Note: This month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated their breast cancer screening guidelines, recommending that individuals at average risk begin mammography screening at age 40 based on increasing diagnoses among women in their 40s. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Doctors recommended a second mammogram, this time using a newer technology known as digital breast tomosynthesis, often called 3-D mammography. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024

Earlier and more frequent mammography gives radiologists like Deatherage more past mammograms to compare against the current mammograms. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin mamma "breast" + -o- + -graphy — more at mamma entry 1

Note: See note at mammogram.

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mammography

noun

mam·​mog·​ra·​phy -fē 

plural mammographies

: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)

mammographic

ˌmam-ə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective