Age to Begin and Intervals for Breast Cancer Screening: Balancing Benefits and Harms.

OBJECTIVE

Screening mammography has been widely used for breast cancer detection and has been found to decrease mortality, but debate continues. The purpose of this article is to review screening recommendations and the benefits and perceived harms of earlier and more frequent screening.

CONCLUSION

Annual mammography beginning at age 40 decreases mortality. Clinicians should educate women and preserve recommendations for early and annual screening.