Taking Initiative and Staying Secure: Breast Imaging Expert Discusses Strategies for Breast Cancer Detection
New USPSTF Guidelines Encourage Early Breast Cancer Screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently updated its guidelines on breast cancer screening, recommending that women of average risk should start getting mammograms every two years from the age of 40[1]. This change aims to reduce breast cancer mortality and aligns with the recommendations of various medical organisations such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)[2].
The new guidelines encourage women to take charge of their health by scheduling their own mammogram appointments through MyChart, making it easier to book appointments at any time[3]. For those without insurance, resources like the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes can help them get breast cancer screenings at no cost[4].
It's worth noting that the biennial screening recommendation applies broadly to women at average risk. For women with dense breast tissue or higher risk, supplementary screening methods such as MRI or ultrasound may be advised[4]. High-risk women should consider adding an MRI to their screening, in addition to mammography and ultrasound, if needed.
The USPSTF has historically had some variation regarding starting age and frequency, but the most recent update clearly supports starting at 40 and screening every other year[1]. However, if insurance companies choose to use the USPSTF guidelines, they might limit coverage to every other year at age 40 and stop paying at age 74[5].
In May 2023, the "Find It Early Act" was reintroduced to ensure all supplemental screenings are covered, but its passage may be a long way off[6]. Women getting screened annually at age 40 have their mammogram covered by insurance, with no cost sharing, as per the Affordable Care Act[7].
For women who may forget to get their annual mammogram, scheduling the appointment through MyChart can be helpful. If a woman's breasts are dense, an ultrasound might be covered by insurance, but this varies by insurance company and requires checking with the insurance provider[8].
Women who have questions about their cancer family history and risk of breast cancer should consider seeing a specialist, such as Wilmot Cancer Institute's Breast Health Program[9]. The most important takeaway for women is to start breast cancer screening at age 40, not at 50, if they are of average risk[10].
References:
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement
- American College of Radiology. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
- MyChart. Scheduling a Mammogram
- Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes. Breast and Cervical Cancer Services
- National Cancer Institute. What's new in breast cancer screening?
- Congress.gov. Find It Early Act
- Healthcare.gov. Mammograms: No-cost preventive care
- Breastcancer.org. Dense Breasts and Mammography
- Wilmot Cancer Institute. Breast Health Program
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Early Detection: Screening Tests
- The new USPSTF guidelines for breast cancer screening suggest that women should consider adding MRI to their screening, in addition to mammography and ultrasound, if they have a higher risk or dense breast tissue.
- For women who are at average risk, the USPSTF recommends starting breast cancer screenings every two years from the age of 40, aligning with recommendations from medical organizations like the ACR, SBI, and NCCN.
- Women without insurance can seek assistance from resources like the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes to help them get breast cancer screenings at no cost.
