The American Cancer Society says a woman who is at average risk for breast cancer should start getting yearly mammograms at the age of 45, but as early as 40 if she wishes.
New guidelines issued by the group today also recommend screening every two years for women who are 55 and older, but once again, with the option of annual mammograms if that is what the woman and her doctor decide.
Dr. Avice O'Connell, director of Women's Imaging at UR Medicine, praised the American Cancer Society's policy statement that makes the choice of a mammogram a joint decision.
"We're gone from the days when the doctor says, 'Get your mammogram or I won't give you your prescription for Premarin.' “ O’Connell said. “Now it's like, 'Okay, let's have a discussion.' If you have a mammogram, you might get called back for additional views, you might need a biopsy. All of these things could happen; and let the woman participate in the decision."
She said concerns about the cost of mammograms remain one of the biggest barriers in women's minds.
The Affordable Care Act currently states that the patient will have no co-pay if their mammogram falls under the recommended guidelines. But it does not state which guidelines should be followed.
O'Connell said the recommendations from the non-partisan American Cancer Society should be taken seriously by government policy makers.
"That's huge because the barriers to screening are already big enough. And already, the best we ever do is 60 percent compliance in the age group we're talking about. One of the things women are worried about is whether they have to pay the cost."
