Early detection of breast cancer is achieved by which screening method?

• A. MRI
• B. Screening mammography
• C. Ultrasound
• D. CT scan

Answer: (B)

Screening mammography is the method used to detect breast cancers at an earliest, preclinical stage in average-risk women. It uses low‑dose X‑rays to reveal small masses and microcalcifications that may indicate cancer before a lump is felt, and large studies have shown it can reduce breast cancer mortality when done regularly.

MRI is more sensitive and is reserved for high‑risk individuals or specific diagnostic questions; it’s not practical as routine screening for the general population due to cost, accessibility, and higher false‑positive rates. Ultrasound helps evaluate a known lesion or assess dense breasts but isn’t recommended as a stand‑alone screening tool for all women because it doesn’t provide the same population‑level mortality benefit and can miss certain early cancers. CT scan isn’t used for screening because beam exposure and poor soft‑tissue detail make it unsuitable for early detection of breast cancers.