For several years women have heard conflicting advice on whether to get a yearly mammogram. On one hand, they’ve been told that regular mammograms can help reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by catching tumors at their earliest, most treatable stage. But a new Danish study seems to challenge that notion by saying that perhaps a third of the abnormalities detected by mammograms may never cause health problems.

            Dr. Onalisa Winblad is a breast radiologist…a doctor specializing in breast imaging…at The University of Kansas Hospital. In the video, Dr. Winblad explains what the study shows, and why most breast radiologists believe the study’s claim that mammograms lead to overdiagnosis of breast cancer is largely overinflated. She says one in eight women are at risk of breast cancer, and mammography screening is the number one way of finding it early when it’s most treatable. She says there is no evidence that breast cancer goes away without treatment. Dr. Winblad and most other breast radiologists believe women should begin annual mammography screenings at age 40. Under current U.S. guidelines, mammograms should be optional for women aged 40 to 44, then done annually from 45 to 54.

            The video also shows TV friendly mammogram screening.