This news supports the longstanding position of the PBCC that early detection saves lives. In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a recommendation against routine mammograms for women in their 40s and also recommended that women in their 50s be screened every two years instead of annually. At that time, the PBCC strongly disagreed with the Task Force and instead encouraged women over 40 to continue to schedule annual mammograms.
It is our hope that this new data will encourage the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to reconsider their previous recommendation so that women aren’t receiving mixed messages on the importance of mammograms and early detection to overall prognosis and treatment.