What New Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations Mean for You![]() The latest debate over breast cancer screenings may leave you with more questions than answers. At what age should you begin mammography screenings? And how regularly do you need them? Are breast self-exams really a useful early intervention? Are clinical breast exams a beneficial supplement to mammography? New recommendations released in November 2009 from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) have called breast cancer screening recommendations into question and have sparked debate and disagreement among breast health experts. So what does it all mean for you? What Are the New Guidelines?First, let's break down the new recommendations from the USPSTF. These recommendations are for women at an average risk for breast cancer. Specifically, the new guidelines:
The ACS and the American College of Radiology (ACR) strongly disagree with the new guidelines. The ACR considers the new guidelines a reversal of progress. But a USPSTF spokeswoman says the new guidelines are part of the task force's standard re-review of all preventive health topics every five years, and are the result of a careful analysis of benefits and risks. For instance, early detection and reduced breast cancer deaths were compared with false-positive results, which can cause anxiety and require more testing. How Can You Make Sense of the News?While the debate rages on among experts, here's what you need to know about breast cancer screenings:
Always consult your physician for more information. Online Resources(Our Organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) American Institute for Cancer Research National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program National Breast Cancer Coalition |
January 2010Cervical Cancer Screenings: Understanding New GuidelinesThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a professional organization of women's health care physicians. Its new guidelines on cervical cancer screenings were also released in November 2009. The old rules: Previously, ACOG advised women to start annual cervical cancer screening with Pap tests three years after beginning sexual activity, or at age 21, whichever came first. The new rules: Starting at age 21, a woman should begin having Pap tests every other year. At 30, she can cut back to every three years if she's had three normal results in a row. Most women can safely stop at age 65 or 70, or after a total hysterectomy. Why they changed: Only one in a million cases of cervical cancer is spotted before age 21. Screening can cause anxiety and unnecessary treatments in younger women. In addition, some follow-up tests and treatments could affect a woman's ability to have children later on. What other experts say: About 25 medical organizations, including ACOG and ACS, met in 2009 and agreed: Pap tests before age 21 have little benefit. Several groups, including the ACS, will update guidelines accordingly in 2010. The bottom line: Women with HIV, weak immune systems, or other risk factors for cervical cancer should still get annual Pap tests. And a yearly gynecological exam could benefit the rest. Ask your doctor about the best schedule for you. Always consult your physician for more information. |