American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

The recommendation for women aged 50 to 74 to receive a mammogram every 2 years is grounded in extensive research that has demonstrated the benefits of routine screening in this age group. This interval of screening is intended to balance the benefits of early detection of breast cancer with the risks of false positive results and unnecessary follow-up procedures.

Statistical evidence supports this guideline, indicating that women in this age range are at greater risk for developing breast cancer, and thus can benefit significantly from early detection strategies. Screening mammograms have been shown to reduce mortality from breast cancer in this demographic.

For women under 50, the decision to start screening earlier may depend on individual risk factors such as family history or genetic predispositions, while women over 74 may consider the benefits and potential harms of screening based on their overall health and life expectancy. Therefore, the guideline specifically highlights the age group of 50 to 74 for regular screening every 2 years as it represents a population that benefits the most from such preventive care.