American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection

American Cancer Society recommendations
for early breast cancer detection
Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and
should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
· Current evidence supporting mammograms is even stronger than in the past. In
particular, recent evidence has confirmed that mammograms offer substantial benefit
for women in their 40s. Women can feel confident about the benefits associated with
regular mammograms for finding cancer early. However, mammograms also have
limitations. A mammogram will miss some cancers, and it sometimes leads to follow
up of findings that are not cancer, including biopsies.
· Women should be told about the benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked with
regular screening. Mammograms can miss some cancers. But despite their limitations,
they remain a very effective and valuable tool for decreasing suffering and death from
breast cancer.
· Mammograms for older women should be based on the individual, her health, and
other serious illnesses, such as congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and moderate-to-severe dementia. Age alone
should not be the reason to stop having regular mammograms. As long as a woman is
in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, she should continue to be
screened with a mammogram.
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a
periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years. After
age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
· CBE is a complement to mammograms and an opportunity for women and their
doctor or nurse to discuss changes in their breasts, early detection testing, and factors
in the woman's history that might make her more likely to have breast cancer.
· There may be some benefit in having the CBE shortly before the mammogram. The
exam should include instruction for the purpose of getting more familiar with your
own breasts. Women should also be given information about the benefits and
limitations of CBE and breast self exam (BSE). Breast cancer risk is very low for
women in their 20s and gradually increases with age. Women should be told to
promptly report any new breast symptoms to a health professional.