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Blasted on the front page of the New York Times and a hot topic among women nationwide, Joan Hamburg highlights today’s announcement by the United States Preventive Services Task Force that women without unusual cancer risks should not begin yearly mammograms for breast cancer until age 50, rather than the previous recommendation of 40. Along with Dr. David Dershaw, Director of Break Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Joan examines the ramifications of this unsettling advice and questions, “Why the change?”
“We’ve reached a point, where we just don’t know whom to believe,” Joan tells Dr. Dershaw today on WOR’s The Joan Hamburg Show. “I am appalled and horrified,” says the doctor pertaining to the new mammogram guidelines which also states that women ages 50 to 75 should undergo mammography screening every two years, instead of yearly and are not urged to give regular self-examinations. “There is no doubt that mammography screening in women in their 40’s saves live,” continues Dr. Dershaw. “To recommend that women abandon that is absolutely horrifying to me. The risk is very real and breast cancer is still an epidemic and a substantial issue in this country.”
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website, “In 2008, approximately 184,450 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US, with approximately 41,000 individuals dying from the disease. The average American woman has a one in seven chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.” With these startling statistics, why have the medical panels changed the timeline and how will this affect the possibilities of detecting breast cancer at a younger age?
Unfortunately, it is still uncertain whether or not these new guidelines will alter future medical practices or even play a significant role in the insurance coverage for preventative test screenings. “We have to give women the best advantage of beating breast cancer if they do get it,” supports Dr. Dershaw. To some, it may only be a difference of ten years, but it is ten years of a life belonging to a mother, daughter, sister, wife, or even a friend.
So, ladies listen up! Think twice and take the extra precaution that perhaps, may save 10 years of your own life...
