According to ACS guidelines, how often should women aged 55 and older be screened?

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Multiple Choice

According to ACS guidelines, how often should women aged 55 and older be screened?

Screening frequency for older women balances benefits and harms; after 55, the ACS recommends switching to every 2 years. This biennial interval reflects that the extra benefit of annual mammography diminishes with age, while the potential downsides—false positives, unnecessary biopsies, and overdiagnosis—become more impactful over time. Most women 55 and older should have a mammogram every 2 years, though some may choose to continue yearly screening based on personal risk factors, health status, and discussion with their clinician.

Screening frequency for older women balances benefits and harms; after 55, the ACS recommends switching to every 2 years. This biennial interval reflects that the extra benefit of annual mammography diminishes with age, while the potential downsides—false positives, unnecessary biopsies, and overdiagnosis—become more impactful over time. Most women 55 and older should have a mammogram every 2 years, though some may choose to continue yearly screening based on personal risk factors, health status, and discussion with their clinician.

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