Early Detection Of Breast Cancer With Mammography Is Safe, The Radiation Is Equivalent To 7 Weeks In Nature

Illustration of a mammographic tool to detect breast cancer. (Yesica/VOI)

JAKARTA - Breast cancer is currently one of the highest causes of death in women, both globally and in Indonesia. Based on the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), there were 66,271 new cases of breast cancer, 16.2 percent of all cancer cases in Indonesia, and ranked first in the number of new cases.

In fact, the cure rate for breast cancer is actually high when detected early on. However, there are still many early screening challenges, ranging from women who are reluctant and do not understand their condition, to myths related to their screening tool, namely mammography.

Mammography is a gold standard or gold standard screening of breast cancer using low-dose X-rays. This tool is useful for capturing images of breast tissue such as small tumors that cannot be felt by hand.

It should be noted that the use of radiation in mammography is very safe for the human body, unlike the myths circulating. Head of the MRCC Radiology Department, dr. Nina ISH Supit, Sp.Rad PRP (K), said that the use of mammographic tools in all world hospitals has gone through a detailed examination from the competent international body.

"If it's not safe, there's no emmography. This is because of permission from the emmography for all vendors, there must be permission from the international body. And they check it in detail, because the radiation will be given to humans and a little," said Doctor Nina, when met in Semanggi, Jakarta, written on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Doctor Nina also said that exposure to mammographic radiation when examining breast conditions was very small. This amount is even equivalent to natural exposure to environmental radiation for seven weeks.

"Every examination of the emmography, right breast and left breast is carried out in two positions, the patient receives 0.4 militiaeverts (mSv). That is within a recognized limit that can be done," he said.

"Actually, the radiation we receive, for example, the streets outside, is bigger than the one-year mammographic check," he added.

Therefore, it is recommended for women not to be afraid to check the condition of their breasts, especially if they feel a change when conducting self-examination. By screening earlier, the chances of recovering from breast cancer will be higher.

"Don't be afraid for women who feel there is a lump in the breasts. The sooner it is detected, the better," concluded Doctor Nina.