A report published June 8, 2017 in the New England Journal of Medicine, "showed that younger women of screening age are more likely to develop aggressive breast cancers than older women. This added risk reinforces why women should start annual mammography screening at age 40."

U.S. doctors are recommending mammography for women outside of the guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), suggesting an understanding that more women’s lives are saved by starting breast cancer screening at age 40. This information was highlighted in a recent study about breast cancer screening recommendations in JAMA Internal Medicine and an accompanying editorial.

Mammography overdiagnosis conclusions stated in Jørgensen et al., to be published Jan. 10, 2017 in Annals of Internal Medicine, are not supported by patient-specific data or even the data in the Jorgensen study as written.

A Miami Herald (9/22, Horton) article discusses the impact of breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) on breast cancer screening in younger women. The Herald points out, “One in six breast cancers occur in women aged 40-49, according to the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging.” The Herald article also explores possible impacts of American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines on minority women. 

In advance of Wednesday’s National Cancer Research “Moonshot” Summit, convened by Vice President Joe Biden and the National Cancer Institute, the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) applauds the effort to rapidly push for the medical progress needed to prevent, treat and cure all types of cancer.