National Mammography Day

Young woman wearing a pink ribbon, sitting in a cozy clinic waiting room, reading a book with a cup of tea beside.. — National mammography day illustration

Cue the drumroll, raise your pink ribbons high, and clear your calendar! Let's talk about National Mammography Day, one of the lesser-known but supremely important national days. Find out how it got its claim to fame, why the internet exploded with mentions in October 2017, and of course, what this means for your dinner plans. Yes, you read that correctly. Stick with us here!

When is Mammography Day?

It's national mammography day on the 20th October.

When Silence Saved Voices

So, why does National Mammography Day exist? Simply put, it's all about promoting awareness for breast cancer screening. Recognized on the third Friday in October, it falls perfectly in line with Breast Cancer Awareness month, becoming its audio-visual aid or the feather in its cap, so to speak.

October 20, 2017: A Day to Remember

Now, moving on to that peculiar spike in mentions on October 20, 2017. Turns out, this was not just a random surge; it was a socially conscious tidal wave. On this day, big-named companies, celebrities, and everyday social media users rallied together online to promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection via mammograms. The result? A spectacular boom of digital pink ribbons, inspiring stories, and 3182 beautifully encouraging mentions. It was a magnificent display of solidarity and a potent reminder of the power we wield when we stand together.

An Appropriate Celebration

While National Mammography Day may not involve grand parades or decadent feasts, it presents the opportunity for something equally inspiring. Consider inviting your loved ones, whether spouse, friends, or family, for a dinner revolving around 'healthy choices'. Share and talk about why this day is essential. It may not sound like the conventional celebration, but who says breaking traditions can't be fun?

A Day for Us

Finally, National Mammography Day isn't just about awareness; it's about us all. It's a reminder that our health, the health of our loved ones, should be our priority. So, let's commemorate this day in our unique way, make it a light-hearted, yet touching tribute to strength, courage, and survival.

History behind the term 'Mammography'

1913

Discovery of X-rays

In 1913, William Coolidge invented the Coolidge tube, which produced a constant source of X-rays. This discovery marked a significant milestone in the field of radiology and paved the way for further advancements in medical imaging.

1966

Introduction of the term 'mammography'

The term 'mammography' was introduced in 1966 by Raul Leborgne, a radiologist from Uruguay. The word 'mammography' is derived from the Latin term 'mamma' meaning breast and the Greek term 'graphein' meaning to write or record. It refers to the imaging technique specifically designed for detecting and diagnosing breast cancers.

1969

Development of dedicated mammography machines

In 1969, the first dedicated mammography machine was developed by Godfrey Hounsfield and James Ambrose. This machine, known as the 'Hounsfield unit,' revolutionized breast cancer screening by producing high-resolution X-ray images of the breast. The dedicated machines allowed for better visualization and improved accuracy in detecting abnormalities.

1976

Introduction of screening mammography

Screening mammography was introduced in 1976 as a method for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. This technique involved regular breast X-rays for women without any signs or symptoms of breast abnormalities. It played a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment by identifying tumors at an early stage.

1990s

Digital mammography emerges

During the 1990s, digital mammography emerged as a significant advancement in breast imaging. Digital mammography replaced traditional film-based X-rays with digital images, allowing for easier storage, manipulation, and transmission of breast images. This technology offered improved image quality and paved the way for computer-aided detection and analysis of breast lesions.

2000

Tomosynthesis and 3D mammography

In 2000, tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, was introduced as an alternative to traditional 2D mammography. Tomosynthesis captures multiple low-dose X-ray images of the breast from different angles, reconstructing them into a 3D model. This technique helps reduce false positives and provides a more detailed view of the breast, improving the accuracy of breast cancer detection.

Did you know?

While mammograms have been around since the 1960s, it wasn't until 1993 that President Bill Clinton proclaimed the third Friday in October as National Mammography Day.