The delay in benefit for women in their forties may be secondary to the lower incidence of breast cancer in women in their forties, different cancer growth rates, or different tumor behaviors toward treatment. Older women also need to continue obtaining mammograms, since breast cancer is most common in women in their seventies. African-American women also benefit from screening mammograms. Although breast cancer is more common in white women, African-American women are more likely to die of the disease. This is probably due to a smaller number of African-American women obtaining breast cancer screening.
Many women wait for their physician to recommend that they have a mammogram.
However, most adults only see their physician for health problems and not for health maintenance. However, it may be difficult for physicians to remember to recommend a mammogram when a women is being seen only for problems. Many women are realizing that it is okay to ask your physician for a referral for a mammogram. Also, some mammography facilities do not require a physician referral. Many women are concerned about the discomfort and radiation dose of a mammogram.