Keeping Our Community Informed on New Mammography Guidelines

As your community hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital would like to keep you informed of the latest recommended mammography guideline changes. As has been reported in both national and local media outlets, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force studied the current recommendations on self-breast exams and mammography screenings.

The panel concluded that women who are not considered high-risk, such as having a family history of breast cancer, should begin mammogram screenings every two years between the ages of 50 to 74. The previous guidelines call for the early detection screens to begin at age 40. In addition, the panel also concluded that self-breast exams are not shown to help save lives.

However, United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has since indicated that there should be no changes to the mammogram guidelines and that mammogram screening should begin at age 40.

The links below are to the study summary released by the U. S. Preventative Services Task Force and the responses by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

• U. S. Preventive Services Task Force: Breast Cancer Screening Summary
• American College of Radiology: Detailed ACR Statement on Ill-Advised and Dangerous USPSTF Mammography Recommendations
• American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society Responds to Changes to USPSTF Mammography Guidelines
• CNN: U.S. Health Chief – No Change to Mammogram Policy

EJGH understands that the guideline review may prompt questions concerning how the changes may or may not affect your health and screening options. We ask that you contact your physician who can help you make the appropriate choice individual to you. If you need a physician, please call EJGH HealthFinder at 504-456-5000 to find a doctor that is right for you.