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Screening Mammography Yearly After Age 40 Proven to Save Lives
Date: December 7, 2009
PELLA, Iowa—Women at average risk of getting breast cancer should get a screening mammogram every year starting at age 40. This guideline, the same as the American Cancer Society’s, is what staff at the Harmeling Imaging Center at Pella Regional Health Center believe is in the best interests of patients.
“While this may go against one recent research recommendation, we believe it is best for our patients and women in general,” said Dr. Lee Henry, Radiologist in the Harmeling Imaging Center at Pella Regional Health Center. “According to the American Cancer Society, 17 percent of breast cancer deaths in 2006 were among women who were diagnosed between ages 40 and 49. Digital mammography can improve detection of breast cancer for women. Early detection can and does save lives. That is one fact that cannot be argued.”
Pella Regional Health Center has diagnosed many breast cancers by screening mammography in women younger than 50. While there might not be as many women diagnosed in these younger years, the cancers that are found tend to be more aggressive and deadlier than cancers found in older patients.
“It worries me that if insurance companies end up going with these guidelines and fewer women get screening mammography there will be more breast cancer deaths in the 40-49 age group, more mastectomies rather than breast sparing surgeries and more aggressive chemotherapy treatments needed,” added Dr. Henry.
According to the American Cancer Society, mammography screening and increased early detection of breast cancers too small to be felt has decreased the breast cancer death rate since 1990.
“The research from this panel is based mostly on film mammography which we haven’t used at Pella Regional in years,” said Marilou Ozinga, Mammography Supervisor in the Harmeling Imaging Center at Pella Regional Health Center. "Research has proven that digital mammography like we have here at Pella Regional provides a better screening for the younger women that are in this 40-49 year age group. With our mammography system, we get very high quality images in just a few minutes time, giving our patients the best possible exam available."
In the end, the best thing to do, as always, is talk with your doctor about your concerns. At this point, Pella Regional has heard of no insurer that has changed their coverage for screening mammography. Health is important, and prevention is key, so be sure to be informed and discuss any questions with a physician.
Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of health care that is accredited by The Joint Commission. Its mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at 641-621-2358 or visiting the website, www.pellahealth.org.
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