Evidence for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Recommendations Against Routine Mammography for Femalesbetween 40-49 Years of Age

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, worldwide, accounting for 22.9% of all cancers(excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in females. Mammography is a sensitive (77-95%) and specific (94-97%)screening method for breast cancer. Previously, females between the 40-50 years old were recommended to havemammograms every one to two years. However, based on current evidence, in 2009, USPSTF recommended thatthe decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography for females younger than 50 years should be anindividual decision and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefitsand harms. This decision was based on findings regarding radiation exposure, false-positive and false-negativerates, over-diagnosis, and pain and psychological responses. The goal of this paper is to focus on evidence forupdating the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against routine mammographyfor females between 40-49 years of age.