Since first used in 1969, they have been proven to reduce deaths from breast cancer by one third to one half. However, mammograms are not completely accurate and can miss suspicious spots. They are found to be wrong an average of 1 out of 9 times. So the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine decided to test the mammogram machine against the 17 other technologies, including the new digital mammogram which produces a computerized image. The results found that although more study is needed, the old-fashioned machine is still the best in detecting cancer.
Early detection is the key to treating breast cancer.
Women 20-39 should have a physical examination of the breast every three years, performed by health care professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. Women 40 and older should have a physical examination of the breast every year, performed by a health care professional, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner. Women 40 years of age and older should have a mammogram every year. Remember, these guidelines apply to women at the normal risk level and who show no symptoms. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss them with their doctor.