Prevention and Screening for Breast Cancer

Statement on new mammography guidelines

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced November 16 that the recommended age for mammogram screening for women at low risk should change from age 40 to age 50, and be decreased from every year to every other year. The task force also stated that breast self-exams are not beneficial in detecting cancer. The task force explains that the current standards of getting screened for breast cancer early often leads to too many false alarms and unneeded biopsies without substantially improving the odds of survival.

We recognize the scientific basis for the USPSTF recommendations, and that there is not general consensus regarding these guidelines. This is one group’s recommendation and physicians have not accepted it nationwide. At the same time, there is convincing evidence that early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and annual mammograms lead to better outcomes, especially with the use of digital mammography. While the current recommendations of yearly mammography for women 40 and older are not perfect, patients are encouraged to work with their physicians and use the knowledge and latest technology available to increase their chances of early detection.

In addition, many women find their own lumps before they show on mammogram, and should continue to perform breast self-exams, contact their physician if they find a lump, and be aware of timely methods of early detection.

The Mercy Cancer Network, Saint Mary’s Health Care and Trinity Health, along with The American College of Radiology, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society of Breast Disease and the American Cancer Society, support the current standards of annual mammography for women age 40 and older for breast cancer detection and will continue to recommend monthly breast self examination and yearly mammography for women 40 and older as outlined below.

 Prevention and Screening Guidelines

The Comprehensive Breast Center at Saint Mary's generally affirms the following guidelines for the detection of breast cancer in women who have no visible symptoms:

• Women 20 years and older should perform breast self examination every month.
• Women 20 to 40 should have a physical examination of the breasts every three years, and women over 40 should have one very year.
• Women between 35 and 40 should have a baseline mammogram.
• Women 40 and over should have a mammogram every year.
• Women with personal or family histories of breast cancer should consult a physician or Saint Mary's Breast Center about the need for more frequent examinations.

Guidelines for Mammography

The Comprehensive Breast Center follows guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society.

• Schedule regular mammograms
  - an initial screening mammogram between age 35-40
  - every year after 40
• Practice monthly breast self-examination
• See a health professional for regular breast examinations

A woman with a family history of breast cancer should consult with her physician or the Comprehensive Breast Center at Saint Mary's regarding the need for more frequent mammography.

Saint Mary's offers all digital mammography technology - the best diagnostic tool for the detection of early breast cancer.