Doctors have long known that breast cancer is most effectively treated when detected at an early stage, years before a tumor can be palpated either by a woman or her doctor. Since the 1980s, mammography has dramatically aided in pinpointing these tiny tumors, which usually are contained within the milk ducts of the breast.
Ask virtually any woman who has undergone a mammogram this question: Do you think there could be a better screening technique? Her answer would probably be a resounding yes. Surely, there must be something slightly less draconian than the vice-like mammography machine and the use of X-rays to clarify internal structures of the breast.
Finally, there’s good news about cancer. According to the latest government report, the rates of new cancer cases and deaths from all types of cancers combined have declined over the past decade in the United States.