The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently drafted a recommendation lowering the age at which women should begin screening for breast cancer. The proposed recommendation lowers the age from 50 to 40 to reduce their risk of dying from the disease.
Below, Daniel Herron, MDdirector of female imagery for Dignity Health Advanced Imaging discusses the change with KCRA-TV.
Dr. Herron recommends women aged 40 and over get screened annually. “Breast cancer is treatable when caught early,” says Dr. Herron. “Women who choose regular screening can reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by about 50 percent.”
The American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology all recommend annual screening starting at age 40.
Breast cancer occurs in people at a younger age
- One in four breast cancers in white women occurs before the age of 50.
- One in three breast cancer diagnoses occurs in Asian, Hispanic and Black women before the age of 50.
- Breast cancer rates peak among Asian, Hispanic and black women in their 40s.
For some women with breast cancer in their family history, it may be beneficial to discuss starting screenings before age 40. It is important to remember that regular screenings can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 50%. Have your mammogram to know your risk of getting breast cancer while it’s curable.
