How Appropriate Are Screening Mammogram Recommendations Made by Breast Centers?

Breast cancer screening recommendations issued by breast centers have considerable capacity to influence women and clinicians. Is this guidance evidence based? Investigators reviewed the recommendations of 606 U.S. breast cancer centers available online.

Among 487 centers providing guidance about screening mammography, 429 specified both a starting age and screening interval. Among those centers that recommended an age to initiate screening, 87.2% suggested starting at age 40, 8.1% at age 45, and 4.6% at age 50. Of the centers indicating both starting age and interval, 80.9% advised that annual screening begin at age 40. Just 56 centers (11.5%) suggested that women discuss screening with their clinician.