Mammogram at 90? Study Finds That This May Benefit Some Women! by Dr. Shayna Mancuso

A new study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America concluded that there is no clear cut-off age to stop breast cancer screening. Researchers analyzed nearly six million screening mammograms conducted over a seven-year period and found that the benefits of receiving mammograms continued with increasing age until the age of 90.

Dr. Cindy Lee, lead study author, looked at patient’s age, mammogram results, recall rates for additional testing and biopsy results. Overall, researchers discovered that as the age of the patients increased, so did the rate in which cancer was detected in their screenings. "We are finding more cancers at increasing age, which makes sense because the risk rises with age,” Dr. Lee stated.

Mammograms continue to be the standard imaging exam for breast cancer screening. Guidelines outlining at what age to stop breast cancer screening has been the subject of much controversy between major national organizations. This study supports the argument that mammograms may still be an effective means of screening for breast cancer as a women ages. In addition, the decision whether or not to stop screening may depend on a woman's personal preference and current health status.

Read more about this study at the Radiological Society of North America's website here!