Falling mammography ratecould lead to future cancers

Breast cancer screening rates are declining, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC researchers analyzed mammography screening utilization for each U.S. state and correlated that with the state's respective breast cancer incidence rate. Although they saw a breast cancer incidence rate reduction from 2000 to 2006, investigators also found a slight decline in mammo use in two-thirds of the states during the same period. Findings were published in the February issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. A commentary by radiologist Dr. Ruth C. Carlos warned that the trend could lead to the erosion of screening services and preventive care.