adminThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently issued its draft recommendation statement and draft evidence document on screening for breast cancer. These are available for review and public comment through May 18.
Highlights from the draft recommendation statement include:
- The Task Force recommends screening mammography every two years for women ages 50 to 74.
- The decision to start screening mammography in women before age 50 years should be an individual one. Women who place a higher value on the potential benefit than the potential harms may choose to begin screening between the ages of 40 and 49 years.
- The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years and older.
The Task Force also has developed additional materials to help health care professionals, stakeholders, and the public understand and communicate about these draft recommendations, including a video, answers to frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and graphics. They are available at www.screeningforbreastcancer.org.