Mammograms

As most people know yesterday new recommendations concerning mammograms have been released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-appointed, independent panel of medical professionals whose recommendations inform decisions by health professionals and insurers.

This panel recommended that all American women without a family history of breast cancer receive a mammogram every two years between the ages of 50 and 74. The report does not recommend routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. Also the report recommends doctors stop advising women to do self-breast exams.

First, please consult your doctor before making changes based on this report, and second know the facts.

The Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society continue to recommend screenings for women 40 years of age and older. "Mayo Clinic will continue to evaluate new data on mammography and breast cancer detection as information is made available. But at this time...Mayo Clinic physicians feel it is in the best interests of their patients to offer routine screening mammography."

Women need to protect themselves, and unfortunately this government group has made a wrong call.