Recently, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines concerning analog screening mammography were revised. Despite the breast cancer death rate falling by 30% since 1990 and mammography receiving the lion's share of credit for the decrease, the USPSTF no longer advises routine screening mammography for women aged 40-49. Biennial screening is advised for those aged 50-74. The USPSTF did not make a recommendation regarding screening those aged > or = 75. The recommendations do not cover digital mammography. It is necessary for primary care providers to understand the data so they can assist patients making decisions about breast cancer screening.
2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.