MODEL RELEASED. Mammography. 35 year old woman having a mammogram (breast X-ray). The breast is compressed between a plastic cover and an X-ray plate to allow a thorough examination of the breast tissue. The X-ray (shown on screen at left) will be studied for any abnormal growths. If any growths are found a biopsy is taken to determine whether the growth is cancerous. In the UK all women over 50 are offered a mammogram every 3 years. Those in high-risk groups for breast cancer are screened more frequently and from an earlier age. This screening can detect tumours at an early stage, when they are more easily treatable.