Nearly half of women incorrectly believe annual breast cancer screenings should begin at age 50, according to a study commissioned by Columbus-based Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
The survey asked 1,043 adult women about their understanding of breast cancer screening recommendations, according to an April 29 news release from the cancer center.
In addition to the 44% of respondents who believed annual mammograms should start at age 50, 41% believed screening should begin at age 35.
Cost, discomfort, age, symptoms and concerns about radiation exposure were the most common reasons respondents said they delayed or avoided a mammogram.
The American College of Radiology recently raised concerns over new mammography guidelines issued by the American College of Physicians.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, the ACR, the Society of Breast Imaging, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Breast Surgeons all recommend that patients begin annual breast cancer screening at age 40.
The American College of Physicians’ guidelines, published April 17, say patients ages 50-74 with an average risk of developing breast cancer should receive a mammogram every other year, while patients ages 40-49 should discuss the benefits and harms of screening with their physician.
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