Whats the truth about when women need mammograms?
By David Harrison, RT(R)(N),
Imaging Services Manager, Wooster Community Hospital
February 1, 2010
570
On Nov. 16, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced a controversial change to their mammography screening guidelines, recommending that screening mammograms be taken every two years for women age 50-74 (their old guidelines recommended screening mammograms every one to two years starting at age 40).
Within hours of the release of the controversial guidelines, many organizations reiterated their position in the press that they are not in support of these new guidelines.
First, in a press release, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reiterated their position of continuing to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. The ACS noted that, Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider the lifesaving benefits of screening outweigh any potential harms.
Second, Carol H. Lee, M.D., chair of the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Commission, speaking for the ACR, said, If cost-cutting U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) mammography recommendations are adopted as policy, two decades of decline in breast cancer mortality could be reversed and countless American women may die needlessly from breast cancer each year.
Dr. Lee went on to say, These unfounded USPSTF recommendations ignore the valid scientific data and place a great many women at risk of dying unnecessarily from a disease that we have made significant headway against over the past 20 years. Mammography is not a perfect test, but it has unquestionably been shown to save lives, including in women aged 40-49. These new recommendations seem to reflect a conscious decision to ration care. If Medicare and private insurers adopt these incredibly flawed USPSTF recommendations as a rationale for refusing women coverage of these life-saving exams, it could have deadly effects for American women.
Finally, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, withheld support for the recommendations of the task force. There is no question that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations have caused a great deal of confusion and worry among women and their families across this country. I want to address that confusion head on. The U.S. Preventive Task Force is an outside independent panel of doctors and scientists who make recommendations. They do not set federal policy and they dont determine what services are covered by the federal government.
There has been debate in this country for years about the age at which routine screening mammograms should begin, and how often they should be given, Secretary Sebelius said. The task force has presented some new evidence for consideration but our policies remain unchanged. Indeed, I would be very surprised if any private insurance company changed its mammography coverage.
The complex health issues facing women today deserve and demand the singular dedication of a passionate organization committed to doing everything in its power to help women live longer, stronger, healthier lives. Wooster Community Hospital is proud of the difference we have made in womens lives, particularly through Digital Mammography. For more information, contact Wooster Community Hospital Imaging Services at 330-263-8660.
