Q&A: yearly mammograms forever?; statins and muscle aches; fall '24 COVID shots; a blood test for colon cancer?

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In this week’s reader-submitted Q&A, we’re tackling these questions:

1. When am I done getting yearly mammograms?

2. Are my muscle aches due to statins?

3. Should I get another COVID shot?

4. Can I skip my colonoscopy and get the new blood test instead?

Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

QUESTION #1: WHEN TO STOP GETTING YEARLY MAMMOGRAMS

I’m in my 70s - & never had a bad mammogram. No breast cancer in my family. Do I still need a mammogram every year? My doctor orders me one every time I see her, but I feel like she is following a script. I don’t mind getting the scan - but is it necessary?

- Anne P.

Dear Anne,

Great question. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every year between ages 45 and 54. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammography every 2 years for women between 40 and 74 at average risk for breast cancer. So it sounds like you could switch to every 2 years if you preferred—that is, if you are not at any increased risk for breast cancer.

Ideally the decision about the ongoing necessity of a screening test would be shared between you and your doctor, and it would be based on a discussion about the benefits and downsides of the test—for you. The downsides include the discomfort, administrative burden, and anxiety of the test itself—plus the potential for false positive results which can lead to unnecessary follow-up testing. However, the benefits include early detection of breast cancer. Recall that the vast majority of breast cancer is due to two factors: age and sporadic mutations in breast cells—and not because of a family history or inherited mutation. Moreover, when breast cancer is detected early, it is generally very treatable. 

The upshot: I believe in the power of mammograms to save lives. I also always want patients to make informed decisions—and to advocate for themselves with their doctor. I hope that helps!

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QUESTION #2: STATINS AND MUSCLE ACHES

I have taken a statin drug for years for my cholesterol. Now my friends tell me that they cause muscle aches. How do I know if my aches and pains are from the statin medicine or from age? Also, do I really need to be on this medication in the first place? I feel like it’s a reflex for doctors to prescribe a statin. Thanks for everything you write!

- Carol 

Hi Carol,

I get this question all the time.