UW Health Physicians Respond to New Mammogram Guidelines
Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued revised mammogram guidelines stating that women should begin getting routine mammograms at the age of 50 and repeating the test every two years. The previous guidelines recommended annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
From Dr. Sisney
The conclusion that mammograms every two years are more efficient and provide a better balance of benefits and harms is deeply flawed. It is in my opinion that adopting these guidelines would result in a major step backward in women's healthcare and increased deaths from breast cancer.
From Dr. Tevaarwerk
It's important to note that the recommendations are focused on screening average-risk American women. The recommendations do not apply to current breast cancer survivors, or to women at increased risk for developing breast cancer based on family history or other factors. My concern is that many women and doctors will simply hear "you don't need a mammogram unless you are 50" or "you only need a mammogram every other year" without realizing that there are women to whom this does not apply. These new recommendations are confusing and inadequate.
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