Are You Confused About When or Why to Get a Mammogram?
You may have read various news reports about when to get a mammogram and why. The fact is that mammography is the best tool available to screen for breast cancer. It has helped reduce the breast cancer death rate in the United States by 30 percent. At present, there are no tests to replace mammography. Experts at the American Cancer Society (ACS), American College of Radiology (ACR), and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) all recommend that women receive an annual mammograms starting at age 40. You may want to review
the ACS, ACR, and SBI breast cancer screening guidelines by clicking the hyperlinks below.
In 2009, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) advised against annual mammograms for women in their 40s. These recommendations have been scientifically rejected by every major medical organization with demonstrated expertise in breast cancer care. The federal government has barred Medicare and private insurance companies from considering the recommendations when making coverage determinations for mammograms. We include the USPSTF recommendations only to inform you that they exist. By not getting annual mammograms starting at age 40, you increase your chances of dying from breast cancer and the likelihood that you will experience more extensive treatment for any cancers found.
For Physicians
If you have questions about how to prepare for a mammogram, what to expect during the exam, how to obtain your results, as well as the benefits, risks, and limitations of the exam, click the link below.
View our Mammography Facts