No Change In Mammogram Age - Screening annually from 40 saves lives

In the aftermath of media coverage about a recent government report on mammography, the guidelines of the American Cancer Society (ACS) remain just as they were before -- if you’re in your 40’s, don’t forget to get a mammogram once a year.

The Kapi‘olani Women’s Centers also continue to follow the ACS guidelines. The guidelines strongly urge women to get annual screenings from age 40 onward. Here's what happened recently:

• SAME DATA, DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS. A government panel known as the U.S. Preventive Screening Task Force, or USPSTF, reviewed the mammography data and recommended delaying regular screening until age 50. American Cancer Society experts reviewed virtually the same data, as well as data not considered by the panel, and they disagree with the USPSTF recommendation. It’s not uncommon for experts to draw different conclusions when weighing risks and benefits.
• BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS. While the number of cancers found in women in their 40's are fewer than for women in their 50's, the ACS believes the benefits of screening women in their 40's still outweigh the risks.
• Women in 40’s: 1 cancer found for every 1,904 screened
• Women in 50’s: 1 cancer found for every 1,339 screened
• MAMMOGRAPHY SAVES LIVES. The ACS recognizes that mammography has some limitations. Some women who are screened will have false alarms, and some women will undergo unnecessary tests and treatment. These shortcomings are somewhat more noticeable for younger women compared with older women. According to the American Cancer Society, the limitations do not change the fact that mammography starting at age 40 saves lives.

Have you made your mammogram appointment? Do it now by calling 808-535-7000.

For further information, visit the American Cancer Society site at www.cancer.org.