Only ‘Limited’ Evidence for Mammograms in 40s

Adding to the debate about the benefits of mammography screening before age 50, a new research review find “limited” evidence that screening prevents breast cancer deaths among women in their 40s.

The results come from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which asked experts from 16 countries to look at the latest evidence on breast cancer screening.

What they found largely confirmed what experts have long said: For women ages 50 to 75, routine mammograms reduce the risk of dying form breast cancer.

The report, published in the June 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, reflects a longstanding debate.
In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ignited a controversy when it changed its recommendations on mammograms – which had long advised women to have screening every one to two years, starting at age 40.

The revised guidelines now say routine screening should begin at age 50 and be done every two years. The panel said women in he 40s should discuss the pros and cons of mammography screening with their doctors, then make an informed decision.

However, the cancer society and the American Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still urge women to get yearly mammograms, starting at age 40.