The Role of Modern Imaging Technologies in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: A Comparison Between Microwave Imaging and Mammography

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge, emphasizing the need for accurate, safe, and sustainable imaging technologies for early detection. This study presents a comparative descriptive and critical review of mammography and microwave imaging from the perspectives of medical physics, diagnostic performance, image reconstruction, artificial intelligence, and healthcare sustainability. The analysis shows that mammography remains the clinical reference standard because of its high spatial resolution and effective detection of microcalcifications through X-ray attenuation governed by the Beer–Lambert law. In contrast, microwave imaging provides functional tissue characterization based on dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity described by Maxwell's equations, offering radiation-free imaging with particular advantages for dense breast tissue. Recent advances in computational electromagnetics and physics-informed artificial intelligence have significantly improved microwave image reconstruction and diagnostic capability. The study concludes that microwave imaging should complement rather than replace mammography, supporting safer, more accurate, and sustainable breast cancer diagnosis while contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3.