Routine mammograms might not be as effective as thought to be. According to an Oslo University Hospital study, routine mammograms could prevent up to 10 per cent breast cancer related deaths. The number is much less than the current estimate of 15 to 23 per cent.

The study shows that routine mammogram should be an option for women, but it should not be a compulsory breast cancer screening procedure. However, even normal-risk women are often urged to undergo routine mammograms from the age of 40. Nonetheless, routine mammogram is beneficial for high-risk women with a family or personal history of breast cancer.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer screening, mammogram