Katie Couric's Notebook: Mammograms

The reasons make sense. Roughly ninety percent of abnormal screenings are ultimately benign. These false alarms lead to invasive tests and major anxiety, not to mention billions of dollars of unnecessary care.

Still, those mammograms could save the life of one woman in 1,900 hundred. If she happens to be your daughter, your mother, your wife...or you...that's the only statistic that will matter.

The American Cancer Society and two prominent doctor's groups are playing it safe...continuing to recommend the screenings for every woman over 40.

Technology must be used wisely...but when it comes to your health, making an informed decision in consultation with your doctor is the wisest thing you can do.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.