Just Say No To Mammograms

Mammograms Questioned by Government Panel

Mammograms are no longer recommended for women under 50 years old, and those over 50 need only get this breast cancer screening every other year, according to a new preventive medicine study that calculated the risks of undetected cancer versus the high incidence of false positives.

Self-breast exams are no longer recommended.

These recommendations to not apply to women who are high-risk.

The study was performed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Summary of Recommendations

The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms.

The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.

The USPSTF recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE).

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination (CBE) beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of either digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of film mammography as screening modalities for breast cancer.

The Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County provides volunteer opportunities for professional women dedicated to the advancement of women both locally, and internationally. Members perform local service projects and raise funds to meet the needs of women in the areas of health, employment, violence prevention and education.

Please join our efforts and put your talents to work. Visit www.zontafoothills.org to find out how you can make a difference in the lives of girls and women in your community and around the world.

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