Recommendation: Continue annual mammography for all women beginning at age 40

Red Bank Radiologists and Holmdel Imaging supports The American Cancer Society, The American Society of Breast Disease and the American College of Radiology recommendation to continue annual mammography for all women beginning at age 40. This position is based on long-standing, evidence-based studies which documents that mammography saves lives through early detection.

Forty years of research have yielded progressively convincing evidence of the benefits of screening mammography. Ignoring direct scientific evidence from large clinical trials, the USPSTF based their recommendations to reduce breast cancer screening on conflicting computer models and the unsupported and discredited idea that the parameters of mammography screening change abruptly at age 50.  In truth, there is no data to support this premise.

For most women, predicting breast cancer risk on the basis of possible risk factors can be unreliable. 70% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer had no known risk before the time of diagnosis.

As dedicated breast specialists, we agree with multiple studies that document a reduction in breast cancer deaths due to early detection of breast cancer through regular screening. In contrast to the USPSTF recommendations, Red Bank Radiologists and Holmdel Imaging continues to encourage monthly breast self-examination as an integral part of every woman’s health routine, along with an annual clinical breast examination by a trained health care professional.