Mammograms

In USA : According to the National Cancer Institute Women in their 40s and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.

In Canada : According to Health Canada, at present, the only proven strategy to reduce breast cancer deaths is early detection through mammography in women over 50. This is referred to as secondary prevention. There is clear evidence from population-based trials that screening mammograms can reduce mortality from breast cancer by approximately 30% in women aged 50-69.

The Issue

In certain situations doctors recommend that women have breast X-rays, known as mammograms, in order to detect breast cancers at the earliest possible stage of development. Some women may have concerns about being exposed to radiation during mammograms.

TBS Editor's Note: Curious that in the U.S., where there is no public health care system, the recommended age for mammogram is a full decade younger than in Canada. Could the Canadian recommendation have something to do with reducing the strain on the pubic system? And please take a moment to consider that women of all ages do not have a reliable, safe diagnostic tool for regular breast checks. Mammography is not fool proof. More young women die of breast cancer than any other cancer. Our medical community and our political leaders need to be urged by you to introduce safe methods for detection purposes.

Background

The risk of getting breast cancer increases as women age. Figures show that about 11 percent of Canadian women, one in nine, will get breast cancer.

Source: Health Canada It's Your Health

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>> Mammography and Radiation Risks and Benefits

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