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THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, September 30, 2010 To Your Health
To Screen or Not to Screen: That is the Question LRGHealthcare Breast Health Educator Ginny Witkin, RN
Te American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, there were more than 192,000 new cases of breast cancer identified in the United States. Te key to fighting this disease is early detection.
Te American Cancer Society has long recommended that all women over the age of 20 should have a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years; and that once a woman reaches the age of 40, clinical exams should increase in frequency to once each year, and annual mammograms should begin. Te guidelines were widely followed throughout the healthcare community.
But last year, a government task force came out with new guidelines that leſt many women confused. In their report, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advised that most women should wait until 50 before beginning to get a mammogram once every year or two. Te report also said that the benefit of mammography for women over the age of 75 is unknown, and that the value of breast exams by doctors is unknown.
Te American Cancer Society has been strong in their position that women should continue to get regular clinical exams, and that they should begin annual
mammograms at the age of 40. While statistically, the odds of cancer occurring in younger women may be lower, there are many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer while in their 40’s, or even their 30’s. Many of us know someone—a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker—whose life has been saved through early detection.
LRGHealthcare stands by the American Cancer Society’s guidelines. If you still have questions, talk with your doctor. Please don’t let a controversial new guide- line discourage you from getting a simple screening that could save your life.
Digital Mammography is now available. Please call today for an appointment:
Women’s Imaging Center at Lakes Region General Hospital 527-2992
Franklin Regional Hospital Caring for Women
Lakes Region OB/GYN
934-2060, ext. 350 527-1855 524-9197
Presented by LRGHealthcare DOLLARS AND SENSE Cost should not be a barrier to any woman in
our community getting a mammogram. Medicare, Medicaid, and most other insurance plans cover mammograms. Tere are also programs in our community to help women access regular mammograms.
Call 527-7000 today for more information!
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