Final answer:
Mammography is less effective in younger women due to the density of their breast tissue, which obscures contrast on mammogram images and impedes the identification of abnormalities. MRI is used to supplement X-rays for better detection, but comes with higher costs and patient discomfort due to confinement during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mammography is not as useful in younger women primarily because they usually have denser breast tissue, making it more challenging to achieve clear contrast on the mammogram images. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial, and mammography is a key tool in identifying potential tumors in breast tissue.
However, the effectiveness of mammograms is influenced by the density of breast tissue, with denser tissue often found in younger women. This density decreases visibility for lumps or regions of increased density that could indicate cancer. For older women, typically those 50 years and older, fatty tissue usually replaces some of the dense breast tissue, enhancing the contrast and making mammograms more effective for them. Concerns about radiation exposure from X-rays also play a role, as younger women may have an increased risk if exposed to regular mammograms over time.
In recent years, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) has been utilized alongside conventional X-rays to improve detection rates and reduce false positives. Despite their higher cost and some disadvantages, such as discomfort for the patient due to being confined, MRIs do not expose the patient to ionizing radiation and can provide superior imaging for certain types of tissue.