The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its breast cancer screening guidelines, recommending that women of average risk should start getting mammograms at age 40 instead of 45. The change is based on growing evidence that breast cancer is more common in women in their 40s than previously thought.
Why the Change?
The ACS says that the new guidelines are based on several factors, including:
- Increasing breast cancer rates in women in their 40s
- Improved mammography technology that is better at detecting breast cancer in younger women
- Evidence that starting screening at age 40 can reduce breast cancer deaths
What the Guidelines Say
The new guidelines recommend that women of average risk should start getting mammograms every year at age 40. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, may need to start screening earlier.
The ACS also recommends that women should continue to get mammograms every year until they are 75 years old. Women over 75 should talk to their doctor about whether or not they need to continue screening.
Benefits of Starting Screening at Age 40
The ACS says that starting breast cancer screening at age 40 can reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer by about 15%. This is because mammograms can find breast cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable.
Risks of Screening
Mammograms are not perfect, and they can sometimes find false positives. This means that women may have to undergo unnecessary biopsies to rule out breast cancer. However, the risks of mammography are small, and the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are a woman of average risk, you should talk to your doctor about the new breast cancer screening guidelines. Your doctor can help you decide when to start screening and how often to get mammograms.
Kind regards K. Lowery.
