Join Now
Sign In
I was dx'd w/ invasive BC under age 50-my mom (no history when dx'd under 50, stg 3). What is your opinion on the screening guidelines for women in their 40's?
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
ZevaHermanMD (Physician - Radiology (Verified) ) - 12 / 04 / 2011
These are the guidelines:
For the general population, no family history of breast cancer:
Baseline mammogram at age 35 or 37. Mammograms every 1-2 years from 40-50, annual mammography above age 50.
I am sure that you are aware that there is a great deal of controversy regarding annual mammograms in the 40's. I believe that they should definitely be done. It is true that cancer is less common in this age group compared with women above 50, but unfortunatley we do see many cases in young women. Statistically, some argue that the mammograms are not reducing mortality, or saving lives. Well, in my opinion this is not the only criteria to measure, for example if you found an early cancer in a 46 year old women which will only require lumpectomy, but not mastectomy, or chemotherapy, (which might be the case had this only be diagnosed 4 years later), then we have done a great service to this patient and her quality of life. It is true that some of the cases diagnosed in the young women are particularly aggressive, and that the early detection may not save her life, but I do not think this is a reason for not offering it. Furthermore, some of the studies discouraging mammography discuss the anxiety related to additional workups (magnification views and spot views) and unnecessary biopsies, all valid arguments. But the anxiety can be allayed with proper discussions and education, and we are working on not biopsying findings that are not worrisome. But it is true that most biopsies are negative, still... we are doing our best with the technology we have, this may change in the future. I do not know the number of cancers I have identified in women under 50, on screening, but it is great! It is true that I have also biopsied many many benign nodules and calcifications, this is the trade-off.
In women with dense breasts and/or a family history of breast cancer, screening sonography should also be performed annually. Sonography may increase detection by 30% or so.
In women with a strong family history, or personal history of breast cancer, screening MRI should be performed, as well.
If both you and your mother have had premenopausal breast cancer, then genetic testing should probably be performed.
Good luck to you and your mom.
For the general population, no family history of breast cancer:
Baseline mammogram at age 35 or 37. Mammograms every 1-2 years from 40-50, annual mammography above age 50.
I am sure that you are aware that there is a great deal of controversy regarding annual mammograms in the 40's. I believe that they should definitely be done. It is true that cancer is less common in this age group compared with women above 50, but unfortunatley we do see many cases in young women. Statistically, some argue that the mammograms are not reducing mortality, or saving lives. Well, in my opinion this is not the only criteria to measure, for example if you found an early cancer in a 46 year old women which will only require lumpectomy, but not mastectomy, or chemotherapy, (which might be the case had this only be diagnosed 4 years later), then we have done a great service to this patient and her quality of life. It is true that some of the cases diagnosed in the young women are particularly aggressive, and that the early detection may not save her life, but I do not think this is a reason for not offering it. Furthermore, some of the studies discouraging mammography discuss the anxiety related to additional workups (magnification views and spot views) and unnecessary biopsies, all valid arguments. But the anxiety can be allayed with proper discussions and education, and we are working on not biopsying findings that are not worrisome. But it is true that most biopsies are negative, still... we are doing our best with the technology we have, this may change in the future. I do not know the number of cancers I have identified in women under 50, on screening, but it is great! It is true that I have also biopsied many many benign nodules and calcifications, this is the trade-off.
In women with dense breasts and/or a family history of breast cancer, screening sonography should also be performed annually. Sonography may increase detection by 30% or so.
In women with a strong family history, or personal history of breast cancer, screening MRI should be performed, as well.
If both you and your mother have had premenopausal breast cancer, then genetic testing should probably be performed.
Good luck to you and your mom.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
