Biennial mammography beginning at age 40 prevented more breast cancer deaths than starting at 50 while maintaining a balanced rate of screening harms, according to a USPSTF-commissioned analysis. Modeling showed that screening every two years from ages 40 to 74 saved up to 19% more lives with modest increases in false positives and overdiagnosis. Annual screening offered minimal added benefit but greater harms. “Randomized controlled trials establish the foundational scientific evidence of the benefit of screening mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality,” the study stated. The analysis concluded that biennial screening at 40 provides the best balance between mortality reduction and harms, and clinicians are advised to engage patients in shared decision-making based on individual risk and preferences.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine