Annual Mammograms Starting at 40 Save the Most Lives, New Study Finds

A new study on breast cancer detection and survival may help end the debate over when to start mammogram screenings.

Researchers say annual mammograms beginning at age 40 and continuing to at least age 79 result in significantly fewer deaths.

The researchers analyzed data from the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network and found death rates dropped nearly 42% when women 40-79 years of age had annual screenings.

On the other hand, going every other year led to a 30% reduction in deaths.

Annual mammograms between 40 and 79 also led to the lowest rate of false-positive tests and non-cancerous biopsies.

The lead researcher says, “The risks of screening are non-lethal and manageable for most women. But advanced breast cancer is often lethal. Breast cancer is easier to treat if it’s found earlier.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently drafted new recommendations that call for annual mammograms starting at 40 and continuing as long as a woman is in good health.