Why are screening mammograms recommended every two years?
Breast cancer can develop at any time. About one in nine women in NSW develop breast cancer at some time in their lives. Research has shown that screening for breast cancer can reduce the number of deaths from the disease in the target age group of women 50 to 69 years. A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer at an early stage. Generally, the earlier breast cancer is detected the greater the treatment options available to a woman. Regular screening increases the likelihood that breast cancers are found as early as possible. A two-year screening interval is recommended as there is evidence that screening intervals of longer than two years will reduce the mortality benefit from screening. It is a woman’s choice to have a screening mammogram; however routine screening is important so that if breast cancer has developed since a previous screen, it will still be detected early.
