Breast cancer experts criticize new mammogram recommendations
October 21, 2015
IN THE NEWS: Revised breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society quickly sparked criticism from breast cancer experts, including Dr. Stephen Feig, chief of breast imaging at UCI Health.
The new ACS recommendations call for women of average risk to wait until age 45, rather than 40, to begin getting annual mammograms, and then to transition to biennial exams at age 55. The ACS cites the risks of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment as the reason for the guideline shifts.
In an interview with the Orange County Register, Feig said that overdiagnosis is rare, calling into question the basis for the new recommendations.
“Mammography is absolutely indispensable,” he said. “I would argue that the anxiety of dying from breast cancer is far greater than the anxiety of coming back for a few more pictures of the breast.”
Read the Register article here ›
Experts question new mammogram guidelines ›
