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The American College of Physicians has released new screening guidelines for women at average risk of developing breast cancer.
Part of the new guidelines recommend that a mid-risk woman begin mammography screening every two years starting at age 50.
The guidelines also suggest that a mid-risk woman, who does not have breast symptoms, should talk to her doctor about the benefits and risks of screening at age 40.
The new statement differs slightly from the recommendations of the American Cancer Society, which still recommend at-risk women to start mammography screening at age 45 and continue them annually until the age of 54 years, then every two years thereafter.
Nidhi Sharma, MD, of Cleveland Clinic, said it was important for women to talk to their doctor about all the available guidelines in order to make a personalized and shared decision about when to start screening.
"Nowadays, when there are so many different guidelines, they can sometimes be confusing," she said. "Making an informed decision is one of the most important things the patient can do for himself, so he is screened appropriately and the cancers are detected appropriately."
The new guidelines are based on research indicating that mammograms performed every two years reduce, among other factors, the risk of false positive test results, excessive diagnoses, excessive treatments and exposure to radiation.
But Dr. Sharma said the level of risk versus benefit level is different for each woman. Therefore, no guideline corresponds to a single model. She thinks that every woman should have a conversation with her doctor to develop a plan that is good for her.
"Patients should pay attention to breast self-exams, attend their annual primary care exams and then make a shared decision with their doctor about what's right for them," said Dr. Sharma. "If they should start screening at age 45 or 40, and what exact guidelines would be appropriate for this patient, the best place to make the best decision for screening mammography."
It is important to note that these new guidelines do not apply to patients who have had abnormal screening results or who are at higher risk for breast cancer because of their personal history or genetic factors.
Full results of the research are available in The Annals of Internal Medicine.
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