Controversy exists over the best breast cancer screening schedule–annual or biennial. A large prospective cohort study has found in women 50-74 years that a biennial mammogram yields similar risks of finding advanced-stage disease–regardless of breast density or hormone therapy–and lower risk of false-positives, than those who are tested annually. Women 40-49 years old with extremely dense breasts minimized risks of advanced-stage disease with annual mammograms, but upped the risk of false positives. These results support the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.
PositiveTip: Ladies, pick your schedule in light of the facts, but don't fail to get tested biennially.