mammography

American  

[ma-mog-ruh-fee] / mæˈmɒg rə fi /

noun

1. x-ray photography of a breast, especially for detection of tumors.

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mammography British  

/ mæˈmɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the technique of using X-rays to examine the breast in the early detection of cancer

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mammography Cultural  

1. Examination of the breasts using x-rays. Mammography is useful in locating tumors of the breast that are too small to be detected by other means.

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Other Word Forms

• mammograph noun
• mammographic adjective

Etymology

Origin of mammography

First recorded in 1935–40; mamm(a) ² + -o- + -graphy

Example Sentences

The highest risk group, accounting for 2% of participants, was advised to receive screening twice a year, alternating between mammography and MRI, regardless of age.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

Badal is “excited” about AI mammography models, and she’s studying risk-based screening through her own work.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

"I saw the doctor on Monday – on the following Thursday I had mammography and a biopsy and from then on it went so quickly my head was spinning, almost."

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Preventive Services Task Force cited recently for lowering the age for starting mammography screening to 40 again from 50.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

The mammography recommendation has a “B” grade, meaning it has moderate net benefit.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024