The development of mammography.

This review traces the development of mammography physics over the last 50 years, concentrating mainly on technological changes and their inter-relations. It has been written for physicists with no specific mammography experience but a general interest in radiology, as much as for those with recent involvement in mammography. Topics covered include industrial film, xerography, intensifying screens, x-ray tube developments, image quality test objects, patient dose and performance checks. Some of these developments were necessary before population screening of healthy women could be considered, while others have resulted from increased opportunities for equipment manufactures which screening programmes created. The standpoint of this review is that of a physicist with long experience in a UK centre where mammography was performed on dedicated equipment well over 40 years ago and where screening has been performed continuously for 30 years.