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New Mammogram Recommendations Confuse Women
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 17, 2009
Modified Nov 17, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 17, 2009
Modified Nov 17, 2009
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Yesterday, the United States Preventive Services Task Force ("an influential group that provides guidance to doctors, insurance companies and policy makers") recommended that women get mammograms starting at age 50, reversing its previous position that mammograms should start at age 40. According to the Times, the panel believes that mammograms "can trigger unnecessary further tests, like biopsies, that can create extreme anxiety." But one woman told the AP, "I've never had a scare, but isn't it better to be safe than sorry?... I've heard of a lot of women in their 40s, and even 30s, who've gotten breast cancer. It just doesn't seem right to wait until 50." The American Cancer Society stands by its recommendation that mammograms start at 40.
Tagged
breast cancer
mammogram
science
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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