Media outlets have released news that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPTF) recommends women wait until age 50 to start having screening mammograms and to have the exam every other year.
Inland Imaging is in the process of reviewing the data and new recommendations from the (USPSTF) concerning annual screening mammography for women over 40. Inland Imaging physicians would like to issue the following statement prepared by Dr. Florence Gin, Breast Imaging Specialized Radiologist and Dr. Arnold Honick, Breast Imaging Specialized Radiologist.
Inland Imaging follows the recommendations set forth by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology that states the use of annual screening mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Mammography continues to be the best tool for diagnosing breast cancer and aiding in the treatment of the disease.
The American Cancer Society’s panel found convincing evidence that screening with mammography reduces breast cancer mortality in women ages 40-74, with age-specific benefits varying depending on the results of individual trials and which trials were combined in meta-analyses. Mammography continues to be a powerful tool in identifying the presence of breast cancer early. Breast cancer is 97% treatable if found early.
Inland Imaging believes that screening mammography provides a reduction in breast cancer mortality for women between 40-50 as well as those over 50. Breast cancer is less common before age 50, but studies have shown that there is still benefit in screening this population.
Inland Imaging will continue to aid in the fight against breast cancer and will follow the guidelines put in place by the ACR and ACS. More research is needed for our organization to modify our current breast cancer screening recommendations for our patients.
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