The breast imaging radiologists at Baystate Health are committed to evidence based practice of medicine. There is strong evidence that screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality, or the risk of dying from breast cancer, by at least 29%, which includes women ages 40-49. We also know that 18% of cancers detected on screening mammography in our region from 2003-2012 occurred in women who were ages 40-49. The following organizations recommend annual screening mammography starting at the age of 40:
- American College of Radiology
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American Society of Breast Surgeons
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Society of Breast Imaging
- The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer have the choice of starting annual screening mammography at age 40 and that they have annual mammographic screening from 45-54.
Therefore, we favor a continued recommendation for annual mammography screening starting at age 40. As with other recommended tests, patients will decide whether to have screening mammography performed after discussing the benefits and limitations with their healthcare providers.
In July, 2015, Representatives Renee Ellmers and Debbie Wasserman Schultz introduced H.R. 3339-the Protect Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act which will protect access to mammograms for the 22 million women under age 50 who would lose insurance coverage if the USPSTF recommendations are implemented.
On August 5, 2015, Senator Barbara Mikulski and Senator Kelly Ayotte introduced a companion bill in the Senate in order to protect free annual mammography screening for women ages 40-74.
For further information refer to the links below:
Protect Mammograms for Women 40 and Older
Defend Breast Cancer Screenings
USPSTF Screening Recommendations Would Cost Thousands of Lives