Screening Mammography among Women Aged 40-49 Years at Average Risk of Breast Cancer

Summary

Current evidence regarding the effectiveness of screening mammography does not suggest the inclusion of the manoeuvre in, or its exclusion from, the periodic health examination of women aged 40–49 at average risk of breast cancer (grade C recommendation) (Table 6).

Upon reaching the age of 40 Canadian women should be informed of the potential benefits and risks of screening mammography and assisted in deciding at what age they wish to initiate the manoeuvre.

These guidelines are not intended to apply to women at increased risk of breast cancer, symptomatic women undergoing diagnostic mammography or women with a history of breast cancer receiving follow-up mammograms.