Mammograms As Frequent As Ever Despite Recommendations Otherwise

When the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force called for the end of annual mammograms in 2009, many expected there to be at least a small measurable response to the new recommendations.

Three years later, however, rates have yet to budge.

This is according to a study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, which says the numbers have remained stalwartly around 50 percent.

Previous to 2009, the recommendation for all women 40 and up was to receive a mammogram every one to two years. After examining data from over 28,000 women over a six-year period, however, the task force determined that women younger than 50 don't need an annual mammogram and those between 50 and 74 only needed to undergo the procedure every two years.

While the study did not examine the reason behind whether or not women chose to pursue a mammogram, the study's lead author Dr. Lydia Pace speculates, according to WebMD, that the resistance many organizations have shown in adapting the 2009 guideline changes may play a part.

For example, the American Cancer Society continues to recommend that women 40 and older receive a yearly mammogram.

Such conflicting advice could be confusing not only for the women, Pace said, but for doctors as well.

Furthermore, Pace added, is the possibility that women and doctors individually disagree with the 2009 changes, for whatever reason.

Ultimately, the controversy is focused on the fear that fewer exams could increase rates of mortality for breast cancer while some experts fear the damage and expense to patients who receive a false-positive diagnosis.

"I'm not surprised by this," Dr. Joanne Mortimer, co-director of the breast cancer program at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, told WebMD. "It takes years for doctors to change their practice."

What's more, Mortimer said, there may be the fear of being sued in the cases that breast cancer goes unnoticed.

Thus far, insurance companies have not taken to reducing coverage of mammograms and with the upcoming activation of the Affordable Care Act, more women will receive coverage.

In the end, the decision of whether or not to proceed with a mammogram, the task force stressed in 2009 and today, is one that should be made between a doctor and a patient after a clear discussion of pros and cons.

Related articles:
Receiving a Mammogram Every Two Years Best Option for Women 50 to 74: A Study
False-Positive Mammogram Results Leading To Negative Psychological Impact In Women (VIDEO)
Hormone Replacement Therapy Increases Breast Cancer Risk, Study Warns