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Guidelines for when women should start getting mammograms have been changing. A new study makes the case for explaining to women the risks and benefits of screening for breast cancer.
Myth #1: I don’t have any symptoms of breast cancer or a family history, so I don’t need to worry about having an annual mammogram. Fact: The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms for all women over 40, regardless of symptoms or family history.
Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible.
Mammograms every two years for women who are 50-74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer. Women who are 40-49 years old should talk to their healthcare provider about when or how often to get a mammogram based on personal risk and health history.
Risks and limitations of mammograms include: Mammograms expose you to low-dose radiation. The dose is very low, though, and for most people the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks posed by this amount of radiation. Having a mammogram may lead to additional testing.
Mammograms are generally safe and should not cause cancer. Learn about mammogram safety, some benefits and risks, and more in this article.
Overall, screening mammograms miss about 20% of breast cancers that are present at the time of screening. False-negative results can lead to delays in treatment and a false sense of security for affected women. One cause of false-negative results is high breast density.
False Negatives. A mammogram may not detect the presence of breast cancer when it is there. This is referred to as a false-negative result. Women must be informed if they have dense breasts and may consider the option of additional screening, such as breast ultrasound or fast breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
The Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests (see below). Different screening recommendations may be used for women at higher than average risk.
Mammograms are low-dose x-rays that can help find breast cancer. If you've been told you need a mammogram, or you're ready to start breast cancer screening, the topics below can help you know what to expect.