New Mammogram Advice
A recent report from the United States Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) contradicts years of thinking about breast cancer screening and prevention.
For years the American Cancer Society (ACS) has recommended yearly mammograms for women aged 40 and over. The ACS also promotes the use of breast-self exams by women in their 20s.
However, the latest federal guidelines as outlined by the USPSTF recommend biennial mammograms for women aged 50 and over and discourages the use of breast-self exams as a preventative tool. View the full summary of recommendations on the USPSTF website.
These changes have created confusion for many women who were councelled for years to follow the ACS version of these breast health guidelines.
To learn more:
- What is breast cancer?* [pdf]
- How is breast cancer treated?
- A glossary of medical terms.
- Browse the Library's print resources about breast cancer.
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