Older Women May Benefit from Mammograms

The results of a new study indicate that women who are age 75 and older may still benefit from routine mammograms; however, not all experts agree with this finding. Guidelines from organizations such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force claim there isn’t enough evidence on routine mammograms for older women while the American Cancer Society recommends that women continue to have mammograms annually as long as they remain in good health. The study found that breast cancer survival was about 10% better in women over 75 years old whose cancer was detected early during a routine mammogram versus those whose cancer was detected later. Radiology, August 2014