There have been more studies related to mammograms than could possibly be summarized in one body of work. The risk of breast cancer has compelled extensive review of the different methods of prevention and treatment than can be used to reduce this problem for society's women.
Unfortunately, nearly all of these studies have focused on the use of preventive exams in younger and middle-aged women; elderly women have often been left out of the conversation. Now people are starting to talk about what should be the proper course of action when it comes to mammograms for women over the age of eighty.
There is no clear answer to whether or not this population requires continued breast cancer testing and if so, how often that testing should take place. Some people continue to recommend annual exams even at this age. Others say that the likelihood of death from breast cancer at this age is so low that annual exams - or perhaps even any exams - are pointless.
The debate can be explored here.
Question of the Day: Should women over the age of eighty still be getting preventive breast health exams?
