A new study shows that younger women aged 40 to 49 who undergo screening mammograms are diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier stage and with smaller tumours.
The research, carried out by University Hospitals in Cleveland, USA, also found that screening mammograms were more likely to identify lesions on the breast that are not cancerous, but are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
The study was recently published in the American Journal of Roentgenology and supports BCAC’s view that women should start getting regular mammograms from the age of 40.
The researchers examined 108 breast cancers found by biopsy in women aged 40 to 49 and discovered that that 71 per cent of the cancers were diagnosed in women undergoing regular mammograms, while only 37 per cent of the cancers were diagnosed in women who had not been screened.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says, “This research shows that regular mammograms for women from the age of 40 can save lives. Breast cancer caught early by mammogram is more likely to be cured and is less likely to require extensive surgery or intensive drug treatment.”
Libby says the fact that high risk lesions are also more likely to be identified through mammograms is another reason younger women should have regular screening.
“These lesions can flag that a woman is at higher risk of developing breast cancer. If a mammogram has identified such a lesion, then a woman will know she needs to remain vigilant about screening for any future abnormalities,” she says.
Free mammograms are currently only available for New Zealand women between the ages of 45 and 69 through the BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) programme.
Says Libby, “The BSA programme is excellent, but younger women shouldn’t wait until they turn 45 to start booking in for mammograms. We encourage women to begin a regular screening programme from the age of 40 if they are able.”
For more information about mammograms, see our mammogram page.
