Breast cancer is the most common in women, and its incidence or likelihood of onset increases with age. Since most known risk factors are closely related to hormonal issues and / or others that are difficult to modify through primary prevention actions, early detection of cancer (also called screening or secondary prevention), for now, is the most effective strategy for the fight against this disease.

Mammography is the quintessential screening test, with considerable sensitivity. Population screening for breast cancer has been shown to reduce mortality from this disease in the population. Other effects need to be considered, such as false positives or false negatives (since the screening process lacks 100% sensitivity and specificity).