mammography

noun

mam·​mog·​ra·​phy ma-ˈmä-grə-fē How to pronounce mammography (audio)
: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)
mammographic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Women who enroll in the study can choose annual mammography, personalized screening, or to be randomly assigned one of those two options. Angus Chen, STAT, 30 June 2022 The new modes of detection improve or expand on the old screening methods, of which colonoscopies and pap smears, followed at a distance by mammography, are among the only few that have really led to significant drops in mortality. Siddhartha Mukherjee, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2021 For women age 50 to 70, routine screening mammography decreases mortality by 15 to 20% (numbers are lower for younger women). Christie Aschwanden, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2012 The Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule in 2019 that would require mammography facilities to inform patients about their breast density and its significance. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2023 UC Health reports mammography remains down 43% as of early October even though nonessential services, including cancer screening, resumed May 1 across Ohio. Anne Saker, The Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2020 For example, mammography is inexpensive and is better at detecting breast cancer than an MRI. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2023 Guidelines for mammography vary, but the USPSTF says women between 50 and 74 who are at average risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram once every two years. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2023 Access ranges from advanced imaging like MRI and mammography but includes more basics like ultrasound and x-rays. Jennifer Kite-powell, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mammography.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

Note: See note at mammogram.

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mammography was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near mammography

Cite this Entry

“Mammography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mammography. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

mammography

noun
mam·​mog·​ra·​phy -fē How to pronounce mammography (audio)
plural mammographies
: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)
mammographic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mammography

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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