Should you get a mammogram?

(Southfield - WXYZ) - Two new studies aim to help you decide two things. Should you get a mammogram?  And if you should, when?

They both came to the same conclusion on one issue.  They say you should get a mammogram. The benefits of a mammogram definitely outweigh the risks. Women who get mammograms live longer and are less likely to die due to breast cancer.  This outweighs the slim risk of a false positive and an unnecessary surgery. 

The studies however came to different conclusions when it comes to deciding when to get a mammogram. 

One study recommended the test be done every other year in high risk women, starting at age forty.

The other recommended the test be done every year because breast cancer can quickly spread in younger women. 

Researchers say the different results are evidence that more study is needed.  They advise women to talk to their doctors about their individual risk and then make a decision.  Factors that put women at risk include having dense breast tissue or a family history of the disease.