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That is debatable.

Nearly all US organizations recommend regular, usually annual, mammograms from age 50-65. Just about all recommend starting at age 40 but many say it is OK to do them every other year from 40-50.

The US task force for prevenative health services recently did a study that suggested that for women aged 40-49 who are at average risk for every one Breast cancer death that is averted through mammography:

- 1900 mammograms need to be done.

- 600 repeat mammograms will be done.

- 50-100 of those will have a biopsy done.

- 3-6 women will be diagnosed with cancer and have some combination of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a lump that would never have killed them.

They did not recommend against screening in women in their 40's but said that it should not be automatic and should be done after careful consideration of the risks and benefits.

Some factors, such as family history, may make earlier screening worth while.

If you feel a lump that is no longer screening and should be investigated to matter what the age.

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11y ago
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8y ago

Recommendations from recognized authorities have differed on this issue based on available evidence. The United States Prevention Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends beginning mammogram screenings at age 50 and getting one every 2 years. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning mammogram screening at age 40 and getting one each year. It's best to be aware of these recommendations and have a discussion with your doctor about how often you should get a mammogram. Factors such as family history of breast cancer (i.e., in a mother, sister, or even in a brother or father in rare situations) or other risk factors may enter into the decision-making process.

References:

http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastcancerearlydetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs

http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/breastscreen-about (Australian guidelines)

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8y ago

Mammograms usually start around the age of 40, but if your family has a history, or if you have certain risk factors, your doctor may suggest that you start sooner.

It really depends on the individual because everyone is different and family history. Today there is a steady stream of medical studies and media reports that hold out hope that breakthrough treatments, predictive tests and diet will conquer the disease.

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8y ago

Despite medical advances, breast cancer remains a leading cause of female cancer death. Risks increases with age. Some 80 percent of cases are in women over 50. But the good news is that breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. Unfortunately the causes of breast cancer remain a puzzle. It seems though that in many cases healthy genes are damaged by outside agents-radiation and chemicals being among the prime suspects. Because fat cells produce estrogen, obesity may increase risk in post menopausal women, whose ovaries have stopped producing hormones. With all of that said, eat a healthy diet, exercise and try to use as many natural products as possible. Check with your doctor, but may sure you go once a year if your breasts are cystic and you notice lumps.

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11y ago

The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, American College of Surgeons and American Medical Association recommend annual mammograms for every woman beginning at age 40.

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11y ago

A mammogram should be performed by a gynecologist at least once a year because he or she will know exactly what to feel for. In the meantime, be sure to check fairly often in the shower.

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11y ago

Once a year

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Q: How often should women over 50 have mammograms?
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