Breast Exam Recommendations

“Obstetricians and gynecologists are sticking with the previous guideline—all but one professional organization still recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40,” explained Dr. David Siepmann, radiologist, responding to the news that the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended biennial screening mammography at age 50 and does not recommend breast self-exam.

“The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening for all women beginning at age 40,” said Dr. Otis W. Brawley of the American Cancer Society. “Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider. When recommendations are based on judgments about risks and benefits, reasonable experts can look at the same data and reach different conclusions.”

“No other professional organization has endorsed a change in guidelines, ” explained Dr. Siepmann, a radiologist at Willamette Valley Medical Center. He added, “I am careful with anecdotal and personal experience, but I see enough breast cancers show up that were not there the year before, and that gives me pause. The whole point is to find cancers early.”

See the Recommendations
The American Cancer Society
• Yearly mammograms starting at age 40, continuing as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s; every year for women 40+.
• Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s—report any change promptly to provider.
• Additional MRI screenings should be considered for a small percentage of women—because of family history, genetic tendency, or certain other factors.

Source: American Cancer Society, cancer.org

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
• Mammography every 1-2 years for women aged 40-49.
• Mammography every year for women aged 50+.
• Breast self exams (BSE); BSE has the potential to detect palpable breast cancer and can be recommended.
• Clinical breast exam every year for women 19 or older.

Source: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, acog.org