News Flash: Annual Mammograms Unnecessary for Older Women

Being too cautious could do more damage

Women over 65 don't have to be screened for breast cancer every year as it doesn't catch any more early tumors, but leads to more false positives instead. According to a study of more than 140,000 older women included in five mammography registries across the United States, "screening every two years may be more appropriate," said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. However, prior to old age, the ACS' mammography guidelines do call for women to be screened for breast cancer every year they are in good health, starting at age 40. (Reuters)

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