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You Are Here: AHRQ Home > Clinical Information > U.S. Preventive Services Task Force > Topic Index > Screening: Breast Cancer

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Screening for Breast Cancer

Release Date: November 2009
Updated: December 2009

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents

Summary of Recommendations

  • The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years.
    Grade: B recommendation.
  • The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms.
    Grade: C recommendation.

    "So, what does this mean if you are a woman in your 40s? You should talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about whether mammography is right for you based on your family history, general health, and personal values."

    Diana Petitti, MD, MPH
    Vice Chair, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
    November 19, 2009


  • The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.
    Grade: I Statement.
  • The USPSTF recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE).
    Grade: D recommendation.
  • The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination (CBE) beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.
    Grade: I Statement.
  • The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of either digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of film mammography as screening modalities for breast cancer.
    Grade: I Statement.


    • On December 4, 2009, the USPSTF unanimously voted to update the language of their recommendation regarding women under 50 years of age to clarify their original and continued intent.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Breast Cancer, November 2009
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 300 KB; PDF Help)
Supporting Article (PDF File, 200 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Update Article (PDF File, 350 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 1 MB; PDF Help)
Clinical Summary (PDF File, 118 KB; PDF Help)

Previous (2002) Recommendation Statement

Persons with disabilities experiencing problems accessing portions of the PDF file for the evidence synthesis should contact Lisa Nicolella at (301) 427-1906. The accessible version of this report will be available by December 30, 2009.

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Current as of December 2009

Internet Citation:

Screening for Breast Cancer, Topic Page. November 2009. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm

 
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