Some doctors speculate that mammograms may be less accurate in younger women because their breast tissue is denser, making it harder to spot potential tumors. However, researchers said that women 50 and older clearly benefit from mammograms. As they age and their breasts become less dense’ the tests are easier to read and doctors are more likely to detect a malignancy early-a key to survival. Women over 50 account for more than 80 percent of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society has been recommending a baseline mammogram for women between 35 and 40 and a test every year or two for women in their 40s. Women over 50 should get a test every year. Doctors say the new research won’t affect guidelines for older women, but it could change the recommendations for younger women. If mammograms don’t necessarily save lives, then the tests–which cost from about $50 to about $175–aren’t cost-effective.
Mammograms aren’t the only defense against breast cancer. Women should also manually examine their breasts each month and be checked by a doctor during a physical exam each year. And, no matter what the guidelines say, women, especially those with risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, may still want to have mammograms. There’s no evidence that the screenings cause harm.
