Mammograms: Dr. Savant on the New Recommendations

Many of you have heard about the new recommendations for breast cancer screening that were just put out by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. In what was a surprise to most doctors this task force recommended that women in their 40’s should not get a routine mammogram every two years but, rather, discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors first. And that routine screening should start at age 50. Currently, we have been sending women for routine mammograms starting at age 40.

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The task force came to this conclusion after reviewing many different independent studies. As you can imagine their conclusions have drawn criticism from many organizations including the American Cancer Society.

So how does that affect a physician like me who has to make recommendations to patients; truthfully, very little. Before any screening test I recommend for my patients I like to discuss the pros and cons of undergoing the procedure and help them make an informed decision. Every screening test carries with it a risk for false positives and, with it, the need for more invasive tests. However, early detection does, indeed save lives and a mammogram is the best initial tool we have right now to detect breast cancer.

So, I will continue to recommend regular self breast exams and routine mammography starting at age 40 for my patients. • About Dr. Savant

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