What To Know That's New About Screenings
October is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, behind lung cancer. It is estimated that one in eight women will depveop breast cancer in her lifetime.
What is most concerning is that there is still no real published schedule or timing for screenings. While scientists are making strides in the fight against breast cancer, the debate still continues about the effectiveness and recommended frequency of preventive screenings - particular for women with low risk.
The New Guidelines For Screenings
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last year voted to update their recommendations for preventive screenings for women with low breast cancer rish. There was a marked change from the last recommendations made in 2002 and because of this, the news about these new screening guidelines has been widely distributed.
Women 40-49 Years Old - Consult with your doctor and make an individualized decision on your screening frequency based on your personal risk factors.
Women 50-74 Years Old - Screening mammography every two years.
Women 75 And Over - No recommendation. Insufficient Evide to determine whether benefits of screening outweight wht potential harms.
Please do note that women under 50 are not discouraged from screening, but rather, should talk to their doctors and make an informed decision about screening based on one's risk level, family history, health status and personal values.
High Risk Factors:
Previous cancer diagnosis
Direct family breast cancer history (mother, sister)
Breast lesions
Aging
Genetics
Moderate Risk Factors
Distant family breast cancer history (aunt,cousin)
Being overweight
Family cancer history
Childbirth over 35
Late menopause
Alcohol consumption
Sites to check out are:
www.ahrq.gov
www.cancer.org
www.acponline.org
www.ama-assn.org
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