Re-examining breast cancer beliefs
New government guidelines are met with upset, controversy
by Adam Pulchinski
Issue date: 12/1/09
Section: National News
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released new guidelines regarding breast cancer screening. The guidelines, part of a Nov. 19 report, have divided opinion among groups as to what women should do.
The controversy rose quickly after the USPSTF recommended that women should get screenings every other year after the age of 50. The former guidelines recommended annual screenings beginning at age 40. The new guidelines also question whether women older than 75 need screening.
Many opponents of the new guidelines, such as Karen Young-Levi, of the organization breastcancer.org, are worried that insurance coverage will be lowered. The recommendations of the USPSTF have been known to affect insurance policy in the United States.
"My big fear is that coverage will be diminished and that a very valuable tool to detect something at an early stage could be taken away from me," Young-Levi told The Gadsden Times.
Early detection has long been a tool in the fight against breast cancer and advocates are worried that cases may increase or worsen by delaying the age recommendation for testing. Diane Petitti, vice chair of the task force, does not discourage early testing.
"So, what does this mean if you are a woman in your 40s? You should talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about whether a mammography is right for you based on your family history, general health, and personal values," said Petitti in a statement on the USPSTF Web site.
The USPSTF explained its decision on the revised recommendations as a way to cut down on several factors that can surround early screening, which they believe may inhibit proper diagnoses. These factors include false-positive test results, false-negative test results, and over-diagnosis.
False-positive results often lead to more, unnecessary testing and false-negative results lead to missed cancers or other ailments. Over-diagnosis is a diagnosis of a cancer that may never cause problems during the life of a patient. This last risk factor can lead to treatment of cancer that does not exist.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation said women should respond to the new guidelines calmly and that the debate over the risks and benefits of screening for women in their 40s is nothing new. The foundation also points out that while younger women are susceptible to breast cancer, older women are the ones at greater risk. Overall, its recommendation is a middle ground in the debate, stating that these points of contention are more reason for women to educate themselves and consult their doctors.
The question remains as to whether doctors will be as likely to recommend screenings if insurers will follow the newer guidelines or the older ones, as endorsed by the American Cancer Society.
Adam Pulchinski is a Reporter staff writer
The controversy rose quickly after the USPSTF recommended that women should get screenings every other year after the age of 50. The former guidelines recommended annual screenings beginning at age 40. The new guidelines also question whether women older than 75 need screening.
Many opponents of the new guidelines, such as Karen Young-Levi, of the organization breastcancer.org, are worried that insurance coverage will be lowered. The recommendations of the USPSTF have been known to affect insurance policy in the United States.
"My big fear is that coverage will be diminished and that a very valuable tool to detect something at an early stage could be taken away from me," Young-Levi told The Gadsden Times.
Early detection has long been a tool in the fight against breast cancer and advocates are worried that cases may increase or worsen by delaying the age recommendation for testing. Diane Petitti, vice chair of the task force, does not discourage early testing.
"So, what does this mean if you are a woman in your 40s? You should talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about whether a mammography is right for you based on your family history, general health, and personal values," said Petitti in a statement on the USPSTF Web site.
The USPSTF explained its decision on the revised recommendations as a way to cut down on several factors that can surround early screening, which they believe may inhibit proper diagnoses. These factors include false-positive test results, false-negative test results, and over-diagnosis.
False-positive results often lead to more, unnecessary testing and false-negative results lead to missed cancers or other ailments. Over-diagnosis is a diagnosis of a cancer that may never cause problems during the life of a patient. This last risk factor can lead to treatment of cancer that does not exist.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation said women should respond to the new guidelines calmly and that the debate over the risks and benefits of screening for women in their 40s is nothing new. The foundation also points out that while younger women are susceptible to breast cancer, older women are the ones at greater risk. Overall, its recommendation is a middle ground in the debate, stating that these points of contention are more reason for women to educate themselves and consult their doctors.
The question remains as to whether doctors will be as likely to recommend screenings if insurers will follow the newer guidelines or the older ones, as endorsed by the American Cancer Society.
Adam Pulchinski is a Reporter staff writer
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