When should we ‘test our breasts’?
Two new studies suggest women, who are at increased risk for breast cancer, will benefit from mammogram screenings every other year starting at age 40 years. In 2009, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended women aged 50 to 74 years have routine mammogram screenings every two years.
Two new studies suggest women, who are at increased risk for breast cancer, will benefit from mammogram screenings every other year starting at age 40 years.
In 2009, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended women aged 50 to 74 years have routine mammogram screenings every two years.
The USPSTF recommended against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years, after reviewing existing research and looking at the evidence of the benefits and harms from younger women having these breast exams on a routine basis.
The USPSTF reasoned the “additional benefit” gained by starting screening at age 40 years rather than at 50 years is small, and moderate harms from screening remain at any age.
The two studies published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine state the risks and benefits for earlier screenings, including how often screenings should take place.
One study found screening women in their 40’s, who face twice the risk for breast cancer, has the same benefits as screening normal risk women aged 50 to 74 years. A second study compared annual and biennial screenings for women aged 40 to 49 years, who face twice the risk for breast cancer, recommending two-year intervals for screenings.
Adelaide-based oncologist, Dr Peter Bracer, told DPS News mammography screenings and a woman’s age needed to be taken into consideration.
“Although it is best to catch cancer in the early stages, it is advised younger women hold off on screenings, unless it is very necessary, due to the radiation exposure which may be experienced,” he said.
According to international researchers, the two studies will add to the body of knowledge about risk and benefits of annual versus biennial mammograms, and will allow doctors to make more accurate and personalised screening recommendations for women, based upon their individual risk factors.
