This is why it’s so important for a woman to understand what risk factors she has for developing breast cancer, and to understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of mammograms in the context of her personal medical history and preferences, Dr. Shepardson says.
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“So many women of all ages report that their breast cancer was detected during a routine annual mammogram, when the cancer was most treatable”.
The American Cancer Society on Tuesday called for later and less frequent mammograms. Dr. Kalter and other oncologists are moving toward more targeted therapies, and moving away from the “one size fits all” approach toward cancer diagnosis which led to the previous mammogram guidelines. I don’t think every woman needs to start at an exact age.
The ACS is also saying that it no longer recommends clinical breast exams (which involve doctors or nurses use their hands to feel for lumps), for women of any age who haven’t experienced any symptoms of breast abnormality. Under the modified standards, screenings can start at age 45 and can continue each year until 54. Having lived through chemo, radiation and a mastectomy, Ellis stands by the old guidelines.
Dr. Susan Schetter, division chief of breast imaging at Penn State Hershey Breast Center, has her doubts about the new guidelines. Her mother had breast cancer, so have a few of her congregants and Munroe-Nathans said she has no plans to change course when she gets older. They also note that annual screening compared to every other year results in a larger mortality reduction. Women can transition to receiving mammograms every other year after age 55 since research shows breast cancers usually grow slower after menopause.
You can take a look at the new American Cancer Society guidelines here. 40 to 44, it’s your choice but the big question is will this affect your act to have insurance cover those mammograms starting at an earlier age if you want to have that.
Oeffinger said women need to be familiar with their breasts and aware of any changes, which should be evaluated by their doctors.
The American Cancer Society said everyone should have access to mammograms. Doctors generally recommend more intensive screening for higher-risk
women.
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Although the cancer society did change its guidelines for the first time since 2009, it noted that it wouldn’t hurt for women to start getting annual mammograms at 40.
