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11/19/2009
 The
recent report by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published
in this week's Annals of Internal Medicine (click
here) has been hotly debated in the medical community
and has left some patients confused and worried. These new
suggested guidelines have been discussed in the media and
have been challenged by all of the traditional cancer groups...especially
the American Cancer Society.
The Cambridge Breast Center is studying these recommendations
along with input from the American Cancer Society, American
College of Surgeons, Breast Cancer Coalition, Komen for the
Cure, and many other prominent groups and scientists. The
issue is unresolved and until there is further clarity we
will adhere to the established screening criteria:
We will
continue to recommend that all women be aware of their breast
health and risk factors, know their own body by self-examination,
and have yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40.
We know
that mammographic screening saves lives and we are not prepared
to change screening guidelines until there is consensus in
the scientific community. We feel we owe this to our patients
and to their families. For questions on your personal health
or screening for breast cancer, please see your primary care
physician or call us at 617-665-2001.
We have linked to this statement the USPSTF article in the
Annals of Internal Medicine and have provided other links
below. We will add to this statement as more information becomes
available.
Michael Wertheimer, MD, FACS
Director, Cambridge Breast Center
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