Just a few weeks ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published new guidelines that recommended against routine mammogram screening for women in their 40s and less-frequent screening for older women at average risk of developing breast cancer. The new guidelines recommended against routine screening in women aged 40 to 49 years.
“The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms,” the report states.
The guidelines also state that there was no evidence to support doctors teaching women to conduct self-breast exams helped reduce breast cancer mortality. These new changes brought about a slew of controversy. The American Cancer Society is one group that disagrees with the changes. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the American Cancer Society said it would stand by its current recommendations- that women get annual mammograms starting at age 40, and then every one or two years.
However, other medical professionals disagree. They say the new guidelines are based on data instead of wishful thinking. The recommendations did not apply to women at high risk for breast cancer, so this means, if you are at high risk and are under the age of 50, you are encouraged to receive your annual mammogram. According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, age and family history put you at higher risk for breast cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that a 40-year-old woman had a 1.4 percent chance of getting breast cancer by the time she is 50, while a 50-year-old has a 2.4 percent chance. The risk factor increases over the decade.
This debate is not new, because there has always been conflict over the correct age to get a mammogram.
“The most important potential benefit of screening mammography is a modest reduction in breast cancer mortality. Potential risks of mammography include false-positive test results (which lead to stress and additional testing), false-negative test results (a missed cancer), and overdiagnosis,” according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Web site.
My personal take on this matter is that conducting self-breast exams can never hurt anyone. I think the more informed we are- the better. If early detection can save just one life from a battle with cancer, then a mammogram and/or self breast exam will be well worth it. As a longtime volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, I am a strong believer that early detection can save lives. I have also seen many women younger than 40 who have breast cancer. Therefore, I think that while the task force might have thoroughly considered these new guidelines, they are doing women around the country a disservice by telling them breast cancer is not something you have to worry about if you are under the age of 50.
Race for the Cure 2005
