This claim is false. An online influencer posted a Spanish language video on Facebook claiming that mammograms are not necessary for women over 40. The video had over 500,000 views but has since been removed. Mammograms are the most effective tool in early breast cancer detection, and screening is recommended for women 40 and older at least once every two years.

Breast cancer screening means checking a person’s breasts for signs of cancer. Regular screening can help catch cancer early when it is easier to treat.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, for many people this is the best way to find breast cancer before symptoms are present. Sometimes a mammogram can find cancer up to 3 years before symptoms can be felt.

Modern-day mammograms involve a small amount of radiation, even less than a chest X-ray.

Sometimes a mammogram can show a false positive, in which case more tests are run to rule out cancer. There are also cases where mammograms do not pick up cancer. In people at an elevated risk for breast cancer or who have dense breasts that make it hard to see tumors, a doctor might recommend an MRI or ultrasound in combination with mammograms to better check for cancer.

However, MRI’s and ultrasounds have a higher risk of a false positive. Patients should talk to their doctors about their personal risk to determine which screenings to receive.

The recommended age to start receiving a mammogram and how often depends on individual risk and family history. The current guidelines suggest people at average risk begin receiving mammograms at age 40. It is important to speak to a doctor about personal risk and family history.

The Hispanic and Latino community has a lower rate of breast cancer screening and mammograms than their non-Hispanic counterparts. The cause of these lower rates may include racism in the healthcare system, language barriers, or lack of insurance coverage. Cancer is also the leading cause of death in this community. More information on resources for the Hispanic and Latino community in cancer screening can be found at the Latino Cancer Institute.

Free and low-cost cancer screening resources in both English and Spanish can be found at the Better Outcomes Resource Hub for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Diversity within the Hispanic and Latino community has not been well addressed in cancer research. Cancer rates likely vary between subgroups within the Latino and Hispanic communities, and more research is needed to better understand these risks.

Cultural differences between majority white providers and racism in the medical field also play a role in Hispanic and Latino patients receiving proper screenings. Doctors and advocates are still learning more about ways to address this complex issue.