A PATIENT ASKS ABOUT HER MAMMOGRAM….AND I RESPOND

weighing inDear Dr. Lakin,
 
I have been reading so many controversial things on taking mammography….. especially unnecessary radiation.
 
Also, many false positives and that they do not save lives…..
 
I am going to be 79 years old.  I am cystic.  My mother died of ovarian cancer.  (However, I do have a pelvic exam yearly.)
 
Do you think I should still continue with breast mammograms or cut them out completely….
 
Thank you,
 
I.E.
My Response:
I.E.:I think self exam regularly & a mammogram every other year is sensible in your age group.  Nearing 80 and over 80 should consider mammograms less often.
Doctor Doug