Screening Mammograms Save Lives – A Bahrain Perspective

Screening Mammograms Save Lives – A Bahrain Perspective

 

By Dr. Munther Sowaileh
Consultant Diagnostic & Interventional Radiologist, Bahrain Specialist Hospital

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, and simply being a woman places every individual at risk. The average lifetime risk is approximately 1 in 8–9, with incidence rising significantly after the age of 40. The encouraging reality is that screening mammography can detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage, when interventions are less invasive and outcomes are greatly improved.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Increasing age, especially after 40
• Previous breast cancer
• Early menarche or late menopause
• First childbirth after age 30 or never having children
• Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, or daughter)

When to Screen

Most international guidelines recommend beginning routine screening at age 40.

• Ages 40–49: Screening frequency should be individualized based on overall risk and shared decision-making.
• Ages 50 and above: Annual screening is strongly recommended.

Diagnostic mammography is indicated at any age when symptoms arise—such as a new lump, nipple discharge, or noticeable skin changes. While most breast lumps are benign, every new change should be evaluated.

Benefits vs. Risks

Benefits:

• Early detection significantly improves cure rates
• Greater likelihood of breast-conserving surgery
• Reduced need for aggressive treatments

Risks:

• Modern digital mammography uses very low radiation doses
• Mortality reduction after age 40 far outweighs any minimal theoretical risk
• Compression may cause brief discomfort but ensures optimal image quality

Special Situations

• Breast implants: Safe and effective with specialized implant-displaced views.
• Pregnancy or lactation: Ultrasound is usually the first test; mammography can still be performed when clinically required.

Local Data – Bahrain Specialist Hospital Audit (October 2025)

• 53 women: Normal or benign findings
• 37 women: Required additional imaging (mostly ultrasound)
• 8 women: Underwent biopsy
• 5 women: Diagnosed with early-stage cancers—detected at the optimum stage for treatment

Why Choose BSH for Screening?

• Rapid reporting (often within hours, consistently under 24 hours)
• Same-day correlation with ultrasound and access to breast MRI
• On-site pathology services
• Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, breast surgeons, radiologists, and the Bahrain National Tumour Board
• NHRA-accredited oncology services, including safe chemotherapy administration via implanted ports
• Special reduced-price screening packages offered during October and extended through year-end

Closing Note

Early detection saves lives. If you are 40 or older—or have identifiable risk factors—schedule your screening mammogram at Bahrain Specialist Hospital and discuss the right screening plan with your healthcare provider. Together, we can work toward a healthier, cancer-free future for women in Bahrain and beyond.