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While mammography guidelines have been debated by health experts in recent
years, the American Cancer Society announced that it is keeping its recommendation that women begin receiving annual mammograms
at age 40. Other organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute, recommend mammmograms for women every one to two years
from age 40 to 50 and then every year after age 50. However, the American Cancer Society believes the benefits of annual
mammography beginning at age 40 outweigh the risk of inaccurate results.
A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast that can detect breast abnormalities, including cancer. Mammography is
considered the gold standard in breast cancer detection. It detects approximately 80% of breast cancers and can detect
cancer years before a lump can be felt by touch.
Recently, several health organizations have revised their guidelines for mammography, de-emphasizing the need for women in
their forties to receive the exam. For example, American College of Physicians (ACP) says women in their forties should
talk with their physicians about the benefits and risks of mammography. In addition, the National Cancer
Institute, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
recommend mammograms every one to two years for women in their forties.
These organizations recommend fewer mammograms for women younger than fifty because mammograms can sometimes produce
inaccurate results, indicating a breast abnormality when none is present. These inaccuracies can lead to unnecessary
breast biopsies. Inaccurate results are more common in younger women who tend to have more dense breast tissue. Other
disadvantages to mammography include temporary pain from the procedure and a small amount of radiation exposure.
However, the American Cancer Society maintains that annual mammograms are beneficial for women in their forties. According to
Robert Smith, the director of cancer screening, new studies indicate that mammography can reduce breast cancer deaths
by 40% among this subset of women.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 178,480 women will develop breast cancer in 2007, and 40,460 women will die
from the diease. It also estimates that about 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women in their 40s.
The American Cancer Society's breast cancer screening guidelines recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40, annual
clinical breast exams beginning at age 20, and
monthly breast self exams. Some experts recommend that women
with a strong family history of breast cancer or other factors that put them at high risk for the disease
discuss the possibility of beginning annual mammograms before age 40.
Additional Resources and References
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