At Bergen Imaging Center, we’ve always stressed the importance of yearly mammograms for detecting breast cancer early. Now, a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC reinforces why annual screenings matter. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women who undergo yearly mammograms are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer compared to those who screen less frequently.
Significant Benefits to Annual Breast Cancer Screenings
Breast cancer screening rates remain suboptimal—only about 65% of women over 40 undergo mammograms, and of those, just half opt for yearly screenings. One factor contributing to this gap is inconsistent screening guidelines, notes Margarita Zuley, M.D., professor and chief of the Division of Breast Imaging in the Department of Radiology at Pitt and UPMC.
“Our study shows that there is a significant benefit for annual screening over biennial screening, including in premenopausal women.”
While the benefits of mammograms are widely recognized, recommendations vary. The American College of Radiology advises annual screenings starting at age 40, whereas the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests screening every two years.
What the Study Revealed
Since there is no centralized breast cancer registry in the U.S., researchers built a comprehensive database to analyze real-world screening outcomes. The study reviewed data from 8,145 breast cancer patients who had at least one mammogram before diagnosis.
Participants were grouped based on their screening frequency:
- Annual screening: Less than 15 months between mammograms
- Biennial screening: 15–27 months between mammograms
- Intermittent screening: More than 27 months between mammograms
The results showed a stark contrast in late-stage cancer diagnoses. Among women who had annual mammograms, 9% were diagnosed with late-stage cancer. This number rose to 14% for those screened biennially and 19% for those with irregular screening. Survival rates also declined as screening intervals increased.
Dr. Zuley emphasized that these findings reinforce the importance of annual mammograms in detecting cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
“Annual mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer, which increases the likelihood of survival, decreases harms to patients because treatment may not need to be as intense, makes recovery easier, and can lower the cost of care,” Dr. Zuley said.
Addressing Concerns About More Frequent Mammograms
A common hesitation around annual mammograms is the potential for false positives, which can lead to unnecessary follow-ups or biopsies. Dr. Zuley acknowledges this but stresses that the risk of a missed cancer far outweighs the temporary stress of additional imaging.
Taking Control of Your Breast Health Starts with Yearly Mammograms
At Bergen Imaging Center, we continuously refine our technology and screening techniques to enhance accuracy and minimize false positives. New innovations in breast imaging may further improve early detection in the future.
The key takeaway from this research is clear: annual mammograms save lives. Bergen Imaging Center is committed to empowering our patients with the knowledge and care they need to make informed decisions. Yet another study confirms that early detection remains the most powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer.