The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated their mammography guidelines. The new recommendation is that women age 40 to 49 should not get an annual cancer mammogram for early detection.
The group’s previous recommendation was for routine screenings every year or two for women age 40 and older. For women ages 50 to 74, the group recommends routine mammogram screenings every two years. Risks and benefits for women age 75 and above are unknown.
The task force is composed of 16 independent health care experts who review medical data and base their recommendations on effectiveness and risks involved.
Dr. Diana Petitti, vice chair of the task force said, “All we’re saying is, at age 40, a woman should make an appointment with her doctor and have a conversation about the benefits and harms of having a mammography now versus waiting to age 50.”
However, these updated guidelines come with much controversy and we will continue to hear the debate for weeks and months to come.
Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society (ACS), disagrees with the new recommendation. He stated that breast cancer is a serious health problem facing women and mammography is part of the ACS solution.
The task force admitted that mammograms can save lives and they don’t want their recommendations to be misunderstood. Petitti said, “We aren’t against screening women in their 40s, we just don’t think it should be routine.”
Even though cancer experts and oncologists may not agree with the task force’s new guidelines, it all comes down to individual choice. Regardless of age, women are encouraged to talk to their doctors and determine if mammogram screening is the right choice.
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