Primary care physicians are often the first physicians seen by women who have reached the age for regular breast cancer screenings or who have breast complaints.
However, it may be difficult to determine when screening is warranted and what diagnostic tool should be used.
The latest issue of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s CME publication, Counter Details, looks at treatment algorithms for the most common breast complaints in a primary care setting.
One major topic addressed in this issue is when regular screenings should begin.
Regular screenings should begin at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS). Although a US Preventative Services Task Force report recommended delaying until age 50 to eliminate false positives, the ACS and ASBS believe the increased use of digital mammography decreases that risk.
Clinicians should keep in mind that mammograms may over-diagnose breast problems, but the number of lives saved by screening between ages 40 and 49 is still significant.