the gravest risk for less breast screening tests would be development of an advanced stage breast cancer. breast cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. its incidence is 135 in 100 000 women. its mortality rate is 27 per 100 000 women. compare this to cervical cancer where the incidence is 9. 3 per 100 000 women with a mortality of 2. 9. it's no wonder that women feel vulnerable about breast cancers. in a brand new meta-analysis the assertion that screening mammograms saves lives has been reaffirmed. currently 1 904 women in their 40s would have to be screened to extend the life of one woman. among women in their 50s 1 339 women would need to be screened to extend the life of one woman. the statistical risk reduction for the two age groups is 15% and 14%. the reason the "50 somethings" have been given the green light for routine mammograms is that they are at greater risk because of advancing age. it is this point which is the most heavily debated. is it not worth it to save the life of one woman by having to screen 565 more women? most women have a personal connection to one or more women who have had cancer diagnosed at an early age by a mammogram.
what risks do the new mammogram screening guidelines pose for patients?