Risk versus benefit in mammography.

TLDR: Evidence that significant numbers of breast cancers are found in this age period on the basis of x-ray examination alone is presented, and mammography is recommended as a tool for diagnosis of nonpalpable carcinomas of the breast.

Abstract: Controversy surrounds the use of mammography in asymptomatic women 35–49 years of age. There is agreement that routine mammography is useful beyond 50 years. By extrapolating data from relatively high radiation exposures, a radiation carcinogenic risk at diagnostic levels has been calculated by some workers. Benefit for asymptomatic women in the 35–49 year age group has been questioned. This paper presents evidence that significant numbers of breast cancers are found in this age period on the basis of x-ray examination alone. Data also indicate absorbed dose from modern-day mammography is half to one quarter of that previously assumed. Based on these data, mammography is recommended as a tool for diagnosis of nonpalpable carcinomas of the breast.