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About the job

Alps Medical Practice

This is a breast X-ray performed using a device specifically adapted: the mammograph. This examination is carried out by a radiology technologist who has undergone specific training. It allows visualisation of the breast structure, X-rayed in two different positions (frontal and oblique), in order to obtain an analysis of the entire volume of the mammary gland.

The breast is compressed between a plastic compression plate and detectors. For quality images, the progressive compression, taking into account the patient’s sensitivity, must be sufficient to reduce the thickness of the gland, which will thus reduce the dose of X-rays received, improve image contrast and prevent blurring caused by movement.

There are two types of mammography:

1.- Diagnostic mammography: a medical prescription is always required to undergo such a mammography. It is performed when a woman or her doctor detects an abnormality during the breast examination or when she presents significant risk factors for developing breast cancer (such as family history). This diagnostic mammography is very often followed by a breast ultrasound performed by the radiologist himself. Unlike screening mammography, the results of the diagnostic mammography and ultrasound are immediately communicated to the patient. A report on the examination findings will then be sent to the prescribing doctor.

2.- Screening mammography: from the age of 50, women receive a letter from the "Foundation for Breast Cancer Screening" inviting them to have a screening mammography. This examination takes place every 2 years.

The RSBJ works in collaboration with the screening centres of the cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Bernese Jura. The examination is covered 90% by the State and without deductible.

Screening mammography allows the detection of small cancers well before they are palpable or symptoms appear. The technique used to produce the images is the same as for diagnostic mammography, but this examination will not initially be supplemented by an ultrasound knowing that the patient will be cared for only by the radiology technologist and will not see the radiologist at any time.

A letter containing the results will be sent by the Foundation to the patient as well as to the referring doctor she has designated, within a maximum of 10 days.

Preparation for mammography: