Mammograms not needed as frequently

A study done by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care says that most Canadian women under 50 do not need regular mammograms. It also says that woman over 50 can go three years between their scans.

However, these guidelines are for women who are healthy, don’t have first-degree relatives who have battled breast cancer and have never had breast cancer themselves.   

This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Canada in 10 years.

 It has been reported that the suggestion for older women to get a mammogram every two years has not lowered deaths from breast cancer. Instead, it is making women more anxious about having breast cancer. Mammograms spot any lumps found in the breast and most of them are not even cancerous. The procedure is also quite uncomfortable and pricey.

The CTFPH want to make sure that the public knows that these suggestions are only a guideline. It is solely up to the patient to decide how frequently they go for check-ups.