Mammographic screening in asymptomatic women aged 40 years and older. Council on Scientific Affairs
Currently, age-specific recommendations for screening mammograms in
asymptomatic women that have been developed by professional, voluntary, and
governmental organizations differ. While there is strong epidemiologic
evidence that mammographic screening in asymptomatic women aged 50 years or
older reduces breast cancer mortality, the evidence for mortality reduction
is not as clear for women aged 40 to 49 years. However, as described in
this report, findings of further mortality and survival follow-up of
subjects in earlier studies, as well as observations from more recent
studies, suggest reductions in mortality and better survival in younger
women as well. While mammography is currently the most effective method for
detecting early breast cancers, some breast cancers may develop during the
intervals between screening mammograms. The costs of mammographic screening
also require consideration in the process of making national screening
recommendations.
