What is the primary use of a mammogram?

The primary use of a mammogram is to perform an x-ray of the breast, which is essential for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. This imaging technique allows healthcare providers to identify abnormal masses or calcifications in the breast tissue that may indicate the presence of cancer, even before physical symptoms are evident. Regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable, making them a critical component of preventative healthcare for women.

Other options do not align with the purpose of a mammogram. A blood test for cancer markers, while useful in certain contexts, is not the method used for imaging the breast. An ultrasound of the ovaries focuses on different reproductive organs and has a different purpose. A physical examination of the breast is important for overall breast health but does not provide the detailed imaging that a mammogram does. Therefore, the mammogram remains the standard procedure for breast cancer screening.