Mammography Technician Essay

Breast cancer is the most common cancer to affect women, and is the second highest cause of their mortality(Pegg 14 Introduction). The good thing is, because of mammography, breast cancer mortality has decreased in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990(Mammography Saves Lives). Mammography is medical imaging that uses x-rays to see inside the breasts and is used for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Having an annual mammogram is important and could really save lives. In fact, it is recommended by the American College of Radiology and the Society for breast imaging that women receive mammograms annually starting at age 40(Mammography Saves Lives). With the importance of having annual mammograms, it is crucial to have mammography technicians in order to perform these screening exams. Knowing the duties, educational requirements, salary and setting is important if you want to pursue a career as a Mammography Technician.

Mammography technicians have many duties. Duties’ consist of positioning clients to get the best pictures of breast tissue and changing settings depending on the density, while focusing on certain areas. Another task is to

According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, demand could grow about 9 percent between 2014 and 2024(BLS). The median annual salary is $67,175, with a range between $60,874-$73,617(Salary-Mammography Technologist Salaries). However, there are factors that determine the salary such as location, and level of education. There are many different advancement opportunities. In the radiology field alone there are many different paths to take. With a Radiology degree, there are many directions to go such as becoming an MRI and CT Technologist. Another advancement opportunity is to get a higher degree to become a radiologist. To sum this up, there is a good outlook, salary and many options for advancement as a mammogram