Is 50 the new 40 for mammograms?
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009As I was driving into work this morning, I heard on the radio news that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is now recommending routine mammograms begin for most women at the age of 50, not 40, which has been the standard since at least 2002.
As someone who has spent the last six months undergoing breast cancer treatment, my immediate reaction was frustration – I was 38 when diagnosed, no family history.
But I found a lump myself, which was then further investigated with a mammogram. But it happened to be in an easy spot to notice, close to the surface. What if the location had been different? I can’t help but wonder what that tumor could have become in another dozen years, when I turned 50 and finally had my first mammogram.
And the Department of Health and Human Services says that breast self exams are “optional.” I can’t remember exactly when this recommendation changed from monthly self exams, but I think it was a couple of years ago.
So what do you think about this change? It’s not like the recommendation was made in a vacuum without consideration of data. But are they just looking at lives saved, or are they considering other quality-of-life issues, too?
I haven’t come to any conclusions yet. What are your thoughts?


