Over 40 Mammogram Screenings Decline After Recent Recommendation

The USPSTF recently released recommendations against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years, and for every other year screening mammography for women between the ages of 50 and 74 years.

The recommendations received backlash within the medical community, with some physicians and health care agencies concerned that the new recommendation would present the wrong view that women shouldn’t get mammograms.

According to MedicalXPress.com, the Mayo clinic then reviewed almost 8 million cases of women between the ages of 40 to 64 since the USPSTF recommendation. The findings revealed that within one year’s time there were almost 6% fewer, or 54,000, mammograms than previously.

• Related: New Study: Mammograms More Beneficial to Women in 40s

However, the Mayo Clinic still encourages breast health awareness and recommends regular, annual screenings starting at age 40 with the belief that early detection is still key for women in their 40s.

“Findings from a large study in Sweden of more than 1 million women in their 40s who received screening mammograms showed a 29 percent decline in breast cancer deaths,” MedicalXPress reports.

“Screening mammography is not a perfect exam, but it is the best available tool to detect cancer early,” says Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic’s Breast Clinic.

“Early detection can lead to better options and possibly less-aggressive treatments.”

Image: © Monkey Business Images 

Tags: cancer, featured, health, Jacqueline Wilson, mammograms, over 40, women

Category: Health, Over 40