40 is the new 30
The debate has been raging for years: should women start regular mammograms at 40 or at 50? Most insurers set the bar for coverage at 50, while many health authorities insisted that more lives would be saved by starting a decade earlier.
Now a new study supports the later start. British researchers analyzed data from more than 160,000 women. About half the group began having annual mammograms at age 40, while the other half began at age 50. The scientists tracked the women for ten years, and assessed the results of their mammograms as well as follow-up procedures, diagnoses and deaths.
The data showed that there was no real benefit to the early start. While mammography did detect a few cancerous growths in the group of women in their 40s, the researchers figured that the odds were about 4 in 1,000 - meaning that in every group of 1,000 40-something women, mammography might detect cancer early enough to make a difference in about four of them.
Plus, consider this: the study's authors point out that to save those four hypothetical women, all 1,000 women are exposed to radiation, which could increase breast cancer risk. While that risk hasn't been quantified, let's just suppose for a moment that it's equal to the 4 in 1,000, or .4 percent, chance of benefiting from a mammogram in your 40s. You're trading one hypothetical danger for another.
While we're talking about odds, here's another point: the researchers also found that women in their 40s were also twice as likely to receive a false positive result as women in the over-50 group. A false positive could mean another mammogram, an ultrasound (both sources of more radiation), and a biopsy, which is uncomfortable at best and an open door for infection at worst.
All this seems to add up to a bad gamble for women in their 40s. Of course, if you have a family history or other factors that increase your risk for breast cancer, it may make sense for to begin having mammograms at a younger age. But for most women, starting at 50 is just fine. Of course you should come to a decision on this subject after discussing it with your doctor. But I urge you to keep these important findings in mind and take an active role in the decision-making process.
And remember, mammograms aren't about prevention, they're about early detection. No matter what your age, you can help prevent breast cancer and promote good heath and high energy levels in general by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; choosing lean meats that are free of antibiotics and hormones; exercising regularly; and staying away from cigarettes. It's never too early to implement these good health habits.
