Breast cancer screening: Experts emphasize mammography over ultrasound

Medical experts in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are emphasizing the critical importance of regular breast cancer screening and the distinct roles of different diagnostic methods. In the Czech Republic, nearly 8,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually, with an increasing number of cases appearing in younger patients.

Professor Petra Tesařová, a leading clinical oncologist, warns that breast cancer does not always present with pain or a palpable lump. She notes that while screening has significantly improved survival rates by catching tumors early, the current screening rate in the Czech Republic is approximately 60%, whereas a rate above 70% is necessary to maximize public health benefits.

In Slovakia, medical professionals are addressing the misconception that ultrasound examinations can replace mammography. While ultrasound is often perceived as more comfortable and safer, doctors warn it cannot replace mammography for primary screening. Mammography is uniquely capable of detecting early changes, such as microcalcifications, which ultrasound may miss. Experts recommend using ultrasound as a complementary tool rather than a substitute to ensure the most effective early detection.