Today ultrasound provides high resolution imaging of the breast and is ideal for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Traditionally ultrasound is considered an adjunctive test to the mammogram. Indeed microcalcifications, an early sign of a premalignant breast lesion is readily seen on mammography. The first screening mammogram covered by German insurance is at the age of 50. It makes good sense to begin screening for breast cancer at the age of 40, maybe even earlier if there is a significant family history of breast cancer.
Breast ultrasound is an ideal and painless way to screen for malignancy without the use of x-rays or compressing the breast.