The mammogram is a crucial screening for breast cancer that has saved countless lives.
Mammograms have long been considered the gold standard when it comes to breast cancer screening and often detect cancer in its early stages before symptoms develop.
Over the years, the recommendations on when women should start getting mammograms have varied.
At one point, some health organizations recommended women start annual mammograms at age 45, with an option to start at 40, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended starting between ages 40 and 50.
Now the task force has recommended all women begin screenings for breast cancer starting at age 40 and continue the mammograms every other year through age 74.
The newest information, the task force says, makes it clear that earlier screenings could save more lives from breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women under 50 in the United States, and for women at average breast cancer risk, annual mammography starting at the age of 40 is our strongest defense,” said Georgia Spear, MD, Division Chief of Breast Imaging at Endeavor Health. “This proactive approach is critical in finding breast cancer early when it is manageable and treatable and paving the way for a healthier future for women.”
Previously, the panel believed earlier screenings would lead to more false-positive results and unnecessary testing. But the rate of breast cancer among women in their 40s is rising, and the panel now believes earlier testing would be beneficial.
Women at a higher risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctors about when to begin mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends women at high risk for breast cancer get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year starting around age 30.
Discuss your risk with your physician and keep up with screening recommendations.
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