Mammography is often performed on patients with no breast complaints to detect breast cancer early.

Screening mammograms attempt to detect early signs of breast cancer before it becomes a palpable finding. A breast cancer, when detected manually by a doctor or the patient herself, is typically detected at an average age of 8-10 years (years). High-quality mammography techniques, performed according to guidelines, can detect breast cancer 3-4 years before it becomes palpable.

For women with breast complaints (e.g., palpable hardness, nipple discharge, etc.), mammography is performed for diagnostic purposes, that is, to clarify the source of the complaint and determine the cause and effect relationship.