Breast Imaging and Mammography
Distinguish screening and symptomatic pathways.
Why this matters
Breast imaging may take place when a person has symptoms, attends screening or needs further investigation. The encounter can be emotionally difficult, and technical quality is essential because incomplete coverage or poor positioning can reduce the value of the examination. Anxiety, pain or a previous difficult experience may also affect how a patient participates.
This course connects imaging principles with respectful preparation, explanation and attention to comfort. It explores how positioning, quality evaluation and appropriate pathways contribute to dependable assessment. Learners are encouraged to recognise limitations, communicate concerns and understand the boundaries of their role when discussing results. Combining technical care with sensitive communication supports patients through a process that may involve uncertainty and further appointments.
What you will learn
- Distinguish screening and symptomatic pathways.
- Explain consent and compression.
- Recognise positioning and image-quality principles.
- Describe density and additional assessment.
- Explain quality assurance and repeat review.
- Communicate results and follow-up safely.
Your route through the course
6 lessons + final assessmentSelect a lesson to view its details.
01Screening and symptomatic careNot started
Distinguish screening and symptomatic pathways.
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02Respectful preparation and compressionNot started
Explain consent and compression.
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03Positioning and image evaluationNot started
Recognise positioning and image-quality principles.
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04Density and further assessmentNot started
Describe density and additional assessment.
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05Quality assurance and repeatsNot started
Explain quality assurance and repeat review.
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06Results and continuityNot started
Communicate results and follow-up safely.
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20 questions · 30 minutes · Pass: 90%
Who this course is for
This course is for radiographers, sonographers, medical imaging students and imaging support staff who want to strengthen their knowledge of breast imaging and mammography.
Prerequisite: Courses 02 21 25 and 26 recommended.
Scope and professional boundaries
Knowledge of breast imaging pathways, mammographic quality and patient-centred care. Does not credential mammography acquisition, image interpretation or screening programme practice. Practical pathway Upcoming.
References
- RCR Guidance on screening and symptomatic breast imaging 2025 ↗
- BreastScreen Australia National Accreditation Standards ↗
- FDA MQSA final rule information including density notification ↗
- HPCZ National Healthcare Standards for Zambia Third edition February 2026 ↗
- HPCZ Obtaining Patients Informed Consent Ethical Considerations First edition March 2016 ↗
- WHO Mammography factsheet from the WHO position paper on mammography screening (PAHO copy) ↗
- NHS England Guidance for breast screening mammographers updated 2025 ↗
- ACSQHC Informed consent practical guidance for clinicians 2026 ↗
- ASRT Practice standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy June 2026 ↗
- IAEA Diagnostic radiology physics handbook for teachers and students 2014 ↗
- A review of mammographic positioning image quality criteria (PMC5965788) ↗
- Zambia Data Protection Act No 3 of 2021 ↗
