Determination of Typical Dose Levels in Mammography Examinations: A Case Study from Türkiye

Introduction: Mammography is essential for early breast cancer detection, but radiation exposure must be managed effectively to ensure patient safety. Accurate average glandular dose (AGD) calculation is critical for dose optimization. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the typical dose levels in mammography examinations in Türkiye using the DANCE and 2ABD methods and compare these values with international reference standards. Methods: This study evaluates typical dose levels in mammography examinations in Türkiye using the DANCE and 2ABD methods and compares them with international reference values. A total of 287 patients (40–64 years) underwent mammography at a community health center. Average glandular dose values were calculated for craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral-oblique (MLO) projections using DANCE and 2ABD methods. Results: The results indicated that all calculated AGD values remained below the European Commission's maximum acceptable dose (2,5 mGy) and desirable dose (2,0 mGy) levels. MLO projections demonstrated higher AGD values than CC projections, and AGD increased with breast compression thickness. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the examined facility does not require dose optimization, and dose levels remain within international standards. These results contribute to further research on establishing national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). This study found that the AGD during mammography in women aged 40–64 remained below the 2,5 mGy limit set by European standards, with higher doses observed in MLO projections due to tissue thickness and imaging angle. The findings support the consistency of the 2ABD and DANCE methods and highlight the potential for broader research to establish national diagnostic reference levels in Türkiye.