I am 62, years old, if i do not have a family history of breast cancer, why do i have to have a mammogram every year?

Not required.: Official guidance from the uspstf and ahrq is mammogram every one to two years.

Because: Acog recommends it. You do not have to have a family history to get breast cancer. That is only one risk factor. Other factors include alcohol intake, late or no childbirth, a negative history of breast feeding and age 65 and over. Evidence shows that yearly mammograms after the age of 40 will cut your mastectomy risk by 50%, that is very significant.

Preventative: Yearly screening mammogram testing is recommended to watch for any early changes or concerns, as it is much better to find something early and small rather than wait until something may be found large and advanced or spreading. Part of a yearly physical examination may be blood testing and mammogram, and having normal findings is good. I am glad for you, and it is great for you to have good news.

Family Hx is: Not the only risk of breast cancer. Screening mammo from 40-80 on annual basis assess changes pointing to further w/u. Mammo is imperfect and uncomfortable, but with self exam and your doctor, best defense against cancer. And you need self exam and doctor as well!