Women aged over 40 who are at increased risk of breast cancer should get annual mammograms

Women aged between 40 and 49 years who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer because the disease runs in their family should be offered annual mammography, a new UK guideline says. Those at highest risk of developing breast cancer should also get the chance to have a genetic test for the disease and the option of preventive surgery.

Although experts are not yet certain, research suggests that regular breast screening in this age group will help to pick up breast cancers earlier and reduce deaths from the disease. Increasing the availability of mammography will add to the evidence pool to determine …