In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, cancer prevention researcher, Sora Park Tanjasiri, DrPH, professor of health, society, and behavior at the UCI Program in Public Health, answers common questions about breast cancer screening guidelines that are meant to reduce the risk of dying from this disease that 3.8 million women in the U.S. live with.
What is the current recommended age to get screened for breast cancer?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that women age 50 to 75 years old and of average risk to get screened for breast cancer every other year to reduce their risk of dying from this disease. However, new and more inclusive science about breast cancer in people younger than 50 has led to a proposal encourage all women to get screened in their 40s. We have long known that screening for breast cancer saves lives at older ages, and the science appears to now support all women getting screened, every other year, starting at age 40.
Why is it important to get screened for breast cancer?
Cancer screening can help find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. If the test finds cancer or abnormal tissue, your healthcare provider can treat your cancer much easier than when it has grown and spread.
Are there any harms to getting screened?
It is possible for screening tests to cause problems like false-positive or false-negative test results. Nonetheless, the benefits to cancer screening still outweigh the risks. We must also focus on ensuring that all women no matter their ethnicity or race and socioeconomic status get equitable access to timely follow-up and treatment if needed.
