Breast health at midlife: guidelines for screening and patient evaluation.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death of American women aged 40 to 55. The fear that midlife women have of developing breast cancer must be considered as physicians discuss breast health with their patients. Identification of risk factors is important, although 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. Screening mammograms can detect early lesions, but controversy exists over whether they reduce mortality in women younger than ago 50. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute recently changed their screening mammography recommendations for women aged 40 to 49. A breast self-exam can be performed using the circular or wedge techniques. If a mass is found, physicians can help alleviate a patient's anxiety by providing a diagnosis as quickly as possible.