All 40-Somethings may not Need Mammography

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, April 3, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Not every woman in her 40s necessarily needs regular mammograms.

According to a new clinical practice guideline developed by doctors from the American College of Physicians (ACP), the risk of breast cancer in this age group is not the same for all women, and women should be advised to discuss their individual situation with their doctors before deciding to be screened on a routine basis.

"There are important benefits to screening mammography, but we believe the decision to be screened should be based on an informed conversation between a patient and her physician," writes Stanford University Professor Douglas K. Owens, M.D., M.S., who chaired the committee that developed the guideline. "In our view, the evidence doesn't support a blanket recommendation for women in this age group."

Dr. Owens and his committee reviewed the medical evidence on screening mammography in the 40-to-49 age group to come up with their recommendations. They believe the medical evidence shows women in their 40s should:

• Undergo individualized assessment of breast cancer risk to help them decide whether to be screened
• Be informed about the benefits and drawbacks of mammography, such as identifying cancers early and the risk for false positives and exposure to radiation
• Receive recommendations from doctors based on the benefits and risks of mammography, along with their individual preferences for screening and their personal cancer risk profile

The ACP is also calling for more research on the net benefits and harms associated with regular breast cancer screening in women in their 40s.

"We designed our screening mammography guideline based on scientific evidence," reports ACP President Lynne Kirk, M.D., F.A.C.P. "It will empower women between the ages of 40 and 49 to become part of the decision-making process and to encourage them to discuss with their physicians the benefits and risks of mammograms."

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SOURCE: Annals of Internal Medicine, published online April 3, 2007