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New Recommendations For Mammograms. Should You Follow Them?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has just come out with its latest recommendations on when you should start having mammograms, and how often you should get them.

The Task Force caused quite a stir when it basically said that mammograms were more harmful than helpful in women ages 40-49, and that women 50 and older should only undergo screening every two years.

Now they say that, based on the individual, a woman in her 40s may be screened every two years -- and women 50-plus should be screened every two years (unchanged).

Other organizations have different recommendations. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American College of Radiology all say a woman should begin screening at age 40, and then have a mammogram every year thereafter.

So what's the deal? In essence, the Task Force feels that the risk of mammograms (false diagnosis, unnecessary biopsies) do not outweigh the benefits -- plus even finding breast cancer on a screen does not mean a longer life even with treatment.

Okay, where does this leave you? Obviously it is a personal decision. And it's something that should be discussed with your doctor during your checkups. Personally, I tend to feel in the vast majority of cases, women should have mammograms starting at age 40 -- and then continuing annually is the best way to go.

Nonetheless, it's probably a good idea to ask some questions when you visit your doctor and talk about screening.

Such as: what is the risk versus benefit for me personally?

How likely is it the mammogram will find something wrong, when there really is nothing wrong?

How likely is a breast biopsy or other procedure if something is suspicious? There are a lot things that wind up being false positives that we initially felt should be investigated rather than have watchful waiting.

How does my personal and family history play into all of this? Have a mother or sister with a history of cancer? How about aunts and grandmothers?

Bottom line, there are many things to consider. And one size does not fit all. At this point, it's doubtful many doctors will veer towards the Task Force recommendations. But it never hurts to ask questions.

Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida

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