Posted October 26, 2015 in Community
Read the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) response on the new guidelines set forth by the The American Cancer Society (ACS) on screening mammography and clinical breast exams (CBEs) in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). According to the new guidelines, woman of average breast cancer risk should start annual screening mammography at age 45 and that clinical breast exams should not be performed by physicians on women of any age. Previously the ACS recommended annual mammograms starting at age 40 and clinical breast exams every 3 years for women in their 20’s and 30’s, and annual checks starting at age 40. New guidelines state the “opportunity” to begin annual mammography screening would be for women 40-44.
If you have concerns discuss them with your doctor. Keep in mind these are only guidelines and not for women who are at higher risk. The YSC website has a wealth of reliable information and a great guide entitled, Breast Health and You, A Young Woman’s Guide.