It’s extraordinarily important that women recognize that despite these changes nobody is abandoning mammography. It is the best that we have to offer. There is no question that mammography saves lives. "
Meanwhile, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends mammograms be offered every year beginning at age 40, and the U-S Preventive Services Task Force supports mammograms every year starting at age 50 for women at average risk. According to the A-C-S, the changes come after full consideration of all the evidence examining the benefits and harms.
Goulet adds that self-breast exams, or those done by a medical provider are no longer recommended.
"There's a lot of false positives in concerns about findings on breast examinations that don't really amount to much. So the patient suffers the trauma of going through additional testing, going through unnecessary biopsies and also the psychological stress. "
Goulet says there's never been an age criteria for determining if mammography should continue, and some literature suggests it is not necessary after age 70. But he explains it is now recommended the screenings continue if the patient is in good health and has a life expectancy that exceeds 10 years.
Goulet says there's never been an age criteria for determining if mammography should continue, and some literature suggests it is not necessary after age 70. But he explains it is now recommended the screenings continue if the patient is in good health and has a life expectancy that exceeds 10 years.
"If you had an 80 year old who plays golf every day and has perhaps some arthritis and maybe high blood pressure her life expectancy would be another nine or 10 years in which case we would recommend continuing mammography. "
The American Cancer Society notes women at high risk should have earlier, more regular screenings. And Goulet adds that above all, women should speak with their health provider to understand their own risk and plan of action.
