I HELP PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER. For my entire three-decade career, the yearly mammogram has been a cornerstone of breast cancer screening.
But a recent update to the guidelines has thrown a wrench into this familiar routine.
Some experts hail the change, suggesting it reduces unnecessary testing and anxiety.
Others worry it might leave some women vulnerable. So, what’s a woman to do?
I recently saw Betsy, a 42-year-old woman with locally advanced breast cancer.
After over three decades of practice, it still breaks my heart each time I meet someone with breast cancer, especially when it is not early.
In this essay, I’ll unpack the latest recommendations and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of the new screening guidelines.
Whether you’re approaching your first mammogram or a seasoned veteran of these screenings, this article equips you with the information you need to navigate this evolving landscape and make informed decisions about your breast health.
I’m about to untangle the mammogram maze.
For many women, mammograms are a familiar part of healthcare.
Traditionally, doctors recommend women with an average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every two years between the ages of 50 and 74.
Recent change
Here’s the recent change: In April 2024, a key healthcare group in the US, the US Preventive Services Task Force, updated their guidelines.
Now, the group recommends these screening maneuvers:
All women between 40 and 74 who were assigned female at birth get a mammogram screening every other year.
Additional imaging tests
The USPSTF is unsure whether additional tests such as breast ultrasound or MRI benefit women with dense breasts after a regular mammogram.
The group needs more research to see if these extra tests find more cancer or lead to unnecessary procedures.
The USPSTF isn’t sure yet about the best approach for mammograms in women 75 and older.
We need more research to weigh the potential benefits (like catching cancer early) against any possible downsides (like unnecessary tests or biopsies).
The new recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) suggest mammograms every other year for women between 40 and 74.
However, other healthcare groups have slightly different suggestions.
The American College of Radiology recommends starting annual mammograms at age 40.
On the other hand, the American Cancer Society (ACS) previously advised yearly mammograms for women between 45 and 54, then switching to every other year after 55.
Here’s the key update: The American Cancer Society recently announced their support for the new USPTF guidelines.
This support means the ACS, a major voice in cancer awareness, now agrees that mammograms every other year might be a good option for many women in this age range.
Why should you listen to them?
The USPTF is a trusted source because it’s a government panel with top medical experts. They base their recommendations on solid scientific evidence.
Here’s why these new guidelines might be important:
Here are some other reasons why earlier breast cancer screening might provide value:
Remember: These are general guidelines for those with an average risk of getting breast cancer.
It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and determine the best screening schedule.
Breast cancer rates have been creeping up slightly over the past decade or so. The increase is small, around 0.6 percent each year since the mid-2000s. Experts believe a few things might be contributing to this trend:
It’s important to note that this rise is small and may seem relatively insignificant.
However, it’s also concerning, especially because the increase seems to be a bit steeper in younger women (under 50) compared to older women.
The takeaway?
While there are different perspectives on mammogram frequency, there seems to be a shift towards recommending screenings every other year for women with an average risk of breast cancer.
The new guidelines aim to get more women screened earlier, which could lead to earlier detection and better health outcomes.
Earlier detection is especially important for some groups of women, like Black women, who face higher risks of breast cancer-related death.
However, it is always a good idea to discuss your situation and risk factors with your doctor to determine the best screening schedule.
If you have a higher-than-average breast cancer risk, the screening recommendations can be quite different.
Finally, would annual screening save more lives? And at what cost?
I will end with some strategies that might keep you out of my oncology office.
While some risk factors like age and family history are out of your control, the good news is there are steps you can take to empower your health and potentially lower your risk of breast cancer:
Remember, a healthy lifestyle has many benefits.
By taking care of yourself, you’re not only lowering your risk of breast cancer but also promoting overall well-being and potentially improving your chances of overcoming any health challenges that might arise.
And don’t forget to get appropriate breast cancer screening.
I’m rooting for you.
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