Screening Mammography: Revisiting Assumptions About Early Detection

Recommendations for the frequency of mammography screening vary across several professional advisory groups. In 2009, the United States Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines reduced screening to biennially for women 50-74 years old. Drivers of this change were false-positive results and unnecessary biopsies, exposure to radiation, and treatment of cancers that would never develop. Despite the recommendation, surveys show that screening has actually increased since the change. A review of the individual woman's risk and a more balanced approach addressing both the benefits and harms of screening is required so that patients can make an informed choice.