The recent recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for women to receive mammograms every two years starting in their 50s instead of annually at 40 has justifiably spurned considerable outrage nationwide. Women shouldn’t prolong detection, possibly costing lives.
Women in their 40s should take preventative measures to ensure their health earlier, as should women in their 20s begin breast self-examinations.
The task force changed its stance because it believes the costs outweigh the benefits when it comes to mammograms — the results can trigger further tests, sometimes unnecessary, and cause anxiety for women.
While these are valid arguments, detecting breast cancer far outweighs anxiety, especially if it could save your life.
Also, several reputed organizations like the American Cancer Society, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Cancer Institute haven’t changed their stance because of the recommendation.
And the recommendation won’t affect government policy, said Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.
For many female college students, this mammogram recommendation may seem irrelevant to their age and health.
Consider two things: One, seemingly everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer — mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmas, neighbors, co-workers. This deadly disease affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. We shouldn’t prolong early detection for our loved ones.
Second, although older women are more prone to breast cancer, the disease can strike at any time. It’s important for younger women to be aware and familiar with their bodies and health.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends women aged 19 or older receive clinical breast exams every year and take monthly breast self-examinations.
The exact age to begin receiving mammograms is hotly debated and statistics support the panel’s recommendation. The average woman has a 1.44 percent chance of developing breast cancer from ages 40 to 49. The risk increases with age, with a 2.63 percent chance from ages 50 to 59, according to the National Cancer Institute.
While the risk is greater for women in their 50s, all women still have a 1 in 8 chance of contracting breast cancer. Women must take precautionary measures as early as possible.
Taking action against breast cancer does not mean that we should live in fear.
Early detection is key. Since the previous recommendation that women should begin mammograms at age 40, death rates have dropped by 30 percent, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Americans are surrounded by constant media warnings engendering anxiety about swine flu, Elizabeth Smart-kidnappings, and now, when breast cancer will strike. Women should be aware of their aging bodies and health by taking earlier measures.
We cannot leave the fate of our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends up to chance. We must take action with early and regular testing.
