According to the researchers, mammograms can reduce the risk of breast cancer death rate by 26% in those women who are in their 40s.
The Swedish study says that the ideal age for mammogram should be 40 rather than 50. But some experts believe that the findings may have overestimated the benefit. The study was conducted by researchers of Umea University in Umea, Sweden and the findings have been published online in the journal Cancer.
As per the study, there were 1,252 women aged 40 to 49 who needed screening. The number was lower as compared to the earlier studies.
Last year, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) said that routine mammography is not necessary for women below 50 years, but the same task force in accordance with American Cancer Society guidelines suggested that all women aged 40 or older should go in for mammography every one to two years.
Dr. Albert Levy of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City said, “The patients are naturally confused, as we practicing doctors are, hence the caution on changing recommendations too quickly”.
Dr. Hakan Jonsson, who is one of the leading researchers of the study, said the main aim of the study was to detect the breast cancer early and decrease the mortality rate. He further said that another study is required to look at over diagnosis.