USPSTF Stands by 2-Year Mammography Decision

Women with an average risk of breast cancer should have screening mammography every 2 years during ages 50 to 74, according to updated recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

After reviewing available data, the panel concluded that women, ages 60 to 69, derive the greatest benefit from screening mammography in terms of preventing breast cancer death.

Selected women 40 to 49 might reduce their risk of dying of breast cancer with regular mammographic screening, but the benefit is much smaller as compared with older women and leads to too many false-positive tests and unnecessary breast biopsies, the USPSTF concluded in a draft document posted on the task force website. The posting begins a 30-day public comment period.

With the release of the draft, the USPSTF stands by most of its previous recommendation, published in 2009.

Read more at Medpage Today: http://bit.ly/1QeJCFO