When is a biopsy performed?

In some women the mammogram shows abnormal changes. If the physicians do not assess this as clearly benign during the double evaluation, the woman will be asked to return for a follow-up examination. During this examination a physician will perform an ultrasound or an x-ray on the breast. This will often already rule out breast cancer.

In 12 out of 1,000 women examined through the mammography screening, further testing of a biopsy will however be required. In 6 of these women the biopsy will confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer.