Why is it recommended that women under age 40 not get regular mammograms?
The breasts of young women contain many glands and ligaments, which appear dense on a mammogram. This radiologic density makes it more difficult to spot tumors, or to tell cancerous conditions. With age, the glandular and fibrous tissues of the breast gradually give way to fatty tissue. Because fatty tissue has less radiologic density, mammograms can more easily �see� into the breast tissue and detect abnormal changes. Although mammograms are not generally recommended as part of regular screening for women under age 40, women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (such as breast ultrasound and MRI), or having more frequent exams. In 1985, only about 20% of women were estimated to have had mammograms in the prior two years. By 2000, this figure had increased to 70%.
