According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008, more than 180,000 case of breast cancer were detected, taking the life of more than 40,000 people.

However, according to studies undertaken by government experts, it is now recommended that women reduce the number of mammograms that they have done due to the consequences of this type of exam. Faced with this situation, Latinas are expressing their concern.

Diana Campos, a housewife originally from Mexico, assures us that she was unaware of the risk of mammograms, and from now on will take precautions and not have the exam done as frequently as before. "After my first pregnancy I did the exam, and I have had it done on other occasions. Now knowing that there is a risk, I will have to stop doing it as frequently," Campos said.

Andreina Sanchez, who is retired and originally from the Dominican Republic, experienced the pain of breast cancer when her daughter was diagnosed with it several years ago. She says that the disease is nothing to play around with, that it is serious. However, she is surprised that this test will bring health problems to women.

"I thought that with frequent breast exams, it could be cured quicker, but now that will not be true. We have to be careful with this and be alert. Medicine keeps bringing more and more surprises and one does not know where to turn," said Sanchez.

At the same time, Maurilia Sanchez, a housewife originally from Mexico, says that she has always had breast exams out of fear of getting cancer and wanting to remain healthy. But now, with these new studies, she says she will stop having them done.

"There is no other choice but to stop having the exams done so regularly. I always went to the doctor to protect my health. It seems that now I will have to stop doing it to take care of myself. It is unbelievable," said Sanchez.

According to these experts, the potential risks of these exams for women over 40 are greater than the benefits. At the same time, the recommendation is based on an analysis of medical studies, including one with 70,000 women, another British study with more than 160,000 participants, as well as data provided by the U.S. Cancer Consortium.

Those recommending less use of routine mammograms state that larger numbers of tests, exams and treatments do not always result in benefits and often can damage the health of patients.

Such results could cause anxiety, more tests and exams without merit, and in some cases, disfiguring biopsies, as well as unnecessary treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.