Mammograms: The debate on when to get tested

While most health professionals agree that mammograms are important in detecting cancer early, there is debate on when women should be screened. Most doctors say that women below 40 and above 70 who are not at a high risk for breast cancer do not need to be screened, but some doctors say that women who are not at risk really only need to be screened between the ages of 50 and 60.

Women who are a higher risk for breast cancer include women who:
•have a sister or mother with breast cancer
•are taking hormones to treat menopause symptoms
•have a history of biopsies
•have not been pregnant before 30
•have dense breast tissue

While there is a debate on when women should be screened, 40,000 women in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer, so it is important to find out if you are at a greater risk and consult your doctor on when to be screened. For more information on mammogram research read this NY Times article.