Health Capsule

Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Screening exams can detect warning signs of the disease before any symptoms appear. When breast cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment is often more successful and outcomes tend to improve.

Traditionally, doctors suggest mammograms according to a woman’s age. However, new research indicates that it is safe to tailor breast cancer screening schedules based on an individual woman’s specific risk factors rather than relying on age alone.

In the study, scientists followed 28,000 women between the ages of 40 and 74. Over a five-year period, they compared two different screening strategies. Half of the participants received standard annual mammograms. The remaining half followed a personalized screening plan based on their individual risk levels.

Women identified as having the highest risk underwent screenings every six months, alternating between mammograms and MRIs. They also received guidance on steps they could take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Those considered at moderately increased risk began yearly mammograms at age 40. Participants at average risk had mammograms every two years starting at age 50.

The findings showed that risk-based screening was just as effective as yearly mammograms in detecting breast cancer. Personalizing screening schedules may help lower stress and reduce medical expenses. It can also minimize unnecessary testing for women at lower risk.

Dr. Laura Esserman of the University of California, San Francisco, explains that a personalized strategy starts with evaluating a woman’s overall risk, including genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors, and then using that information to shape prevention and screening plans.