The New Mammogram Recommendations

As of last month, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of government-appointed experts, recommends mammograms for women ages 50-74, every other year. It recommends women begin discussing the risks and benefits of mammograms beginning at age 40. For high-risk patients, such as those with personal or family history of breast cancer, different recommendations apply. To review the US Preventative Services Task Force recommendations, please follow this link: http://www.ahrq.gov/Clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm

Mammograms do not prevent cancer; they help to detect it at an early stage. Often it is not detected if it is too small to cause a noticeable lump or other symptoms. Screening for breast cancer by mammogram reduces a women’s risk of dying of breast cancer by about 15% for women in their 40s and 50s. For women in their 60s, mammogram identifies breast cancer in approximately 1 in 5 women screened.

The recent changes to the USPSTF’s recommendations were a result of the review of recent studies on the benefits and risks of mammography. After 10 mammograms, more than half of women in their 40s will have a “false positive,” which occurs when a mammogram detects suspicious breast tissue which turns out to be benign. The process of evaluating the suspicious tissue cause anxiety and may lead women to undergo painful needle biopsies. The USPSTF determined that the harm and cost of screening of women ages 40-50 outweighed the benefits of mammography.

Watch our videos to learn more

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Young Naturopathic Wellness Center

Founded by Dr. Renee Young, the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness is dedicated to providing safe, supportive and effective healthcare to its patients.

To achieve your own wellness, call 408.761.6781 today to schedule your appointment. For more information about the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, visit http://www.drreneeyoung.com/