An illustration of a transparent woman’s torso. We see a tumor in her right breast.

Mammogram Myth Busters: Too Many or Too Few? New Guidelines Explained.

Michael Hunter, MD
BeingWell

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I HELP PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER. For my entire three-decade career, the yearly mammogram has been a cornerstone of breast cancer screening.

But a recent update to the guidelines has thrown a wrench into this familiar routine.

Some experts hail the change, suggesting it reduces unnecessary testing and anxiety.

A young woman in pink fighting gloves punches her left arm forward.
Photo by Sarah Cervantes on Unsplash

Others worry it might leave some women vulnerable. So, what’s a woman to do?

Goals

I recently saw Betsy, a 42-year-old woman with locally advanced breast cancer.

After over three decades of practice, it still breaks my heart each time I meet someone with breast cancer, especially when it is not early.

In this essay, I’ll unpack the latest recommendations and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of the new screening guidelines.

Whether you’re approaching your first mammogram or a seasoned veteran of these screenings, this article equips you with the information you need to navigate this evolving landscape and make informed decisions about your breast health.

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Michael Hunter, MD
BeingWell

I have degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Penn. I am a radiation oncologist in the Seattle area. You may find me regularly posting at www.newcancerinfo.com