evidence: And studies have shown that routine screening mammography does reduce breast cancer deaths in women aged 40 to 75. [...] The new study’s results highlight the need for conversations between older women and their health care providers about the potential benefits and harms of continuing screening mammography. [...] When cancer, even a very small one, is found on a screening mammogram, "most of these women have surgeries, some will have radiation therapy, a smaller percentage will have chemotherapy," explained Dr. Richman. "Even after something like a [lumpectomy], older women risk functional decline. It can set them back in terms of how much they’re able to do for themselves."