Breast cancer awareness has taken center stage in November. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a federal advisory board, recently made recommendations to drastically modify mammography screening.
- Women ages 40-49 forego mammography screening
- Women ages 50-74 should have mammograms every other year instead of annually
- Women ages 74 and older should stop all breast cancer screening
Radiology groups have adamantly disputed these recommendations and stand by mammography screening as a means of early detection. “Two decades of decline in breast cancer mortality could be reversed and countless Americans may die needlessly from breast cancer each year [because of these recommendations],” according to a statement from the American College of Radiology.
Radiology groups reject these recommendations as inconsistent with current science and a blatant attempt to ration care. While mammography testing has the potential to over-perform (overdiagnosis) or under-perform (not detect) in some women, it has no chance to perform at all if women aren’t instructed to receive annual mammograms. “The truth is, mammograms don’t just save lives, they save breasts. Early detection can mean the difference between a woman saving her breast(s), losing her breast(s), or even losing her life,” said Megan Scherer, Director of Outpatient Clinical Services and Marketing at the Hazleton Health & Wellness Center.
“Our organization is watching this debate very closely and, at this time, we support the American College of Radiology in its efforts to fight these recommendations. We firmly believe that early detection is the key to saving lives,” said Scherer.
Comments
My mother was dx w/breast cancer at age 74. Despite regular screenings, this one failed to show up until she found the lump on her own. It took her 3 weeks to get into the local breast center. This is a particularly agressive cancer, though still considered stage I, she has a 34% chance of recurrance which we are told would end her life.
She is number 5 in my family. OF those, only one was detected with a mammogram. 3 of the 4 prior to my mother died, relatively quickly.
I am praying Mom will beat the odds. Mammograms are great, but we still have to check ourselves.
She started with lumpectomy, then path stated another tumor and she had to have a mastectomy. Now there is chemo.
Please, please ladies, get your mamms and take care of yourselves.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. It's always difficult to watch someone we love go through this ordeal. I've been through a similar situation with my nana, and I agree-- in addition to mammography screening, women need to be accountable and continue to check themselves. Wishing your mom and your family all the best.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!