Mayo physicians address debate on value of annual mammograms
ROCHESTER, MINN. -- Should annual mammograms be routine for women over 40? Four Mayo Clinic physicians address the controversy surrounding this issue in a roundtable discussion recently published on MayoClinic.com. Each having extensive experience in the area of breast health, roundtable participants provide important insights and answers on the topic.
For years, doctors have told women age 40 and older that annual mammograms can save their life. A mammogram can find an early-stage breast cancer tumor long before it becomes detectable as a lump during physical examination. It was assumed that the earlier the detection, the sooner treatment can begin, which will reduce the number of women who die of breast cancer each year.
However, confusion began in October 2001, when a published analysis of several large, long-term studies raised questions about the benefits of mammography screening for breast cancer. While the authors of that study allowed that mammograms can identify some cancers early, they questioned whether early detection saves lives. This sparked a debate that continues throughout the medical establishment and causes understandable concern among women at risk and their families.
The MayoClinic.com roundtable approaches key concerns and questions from the unique perspectives of a medical oncologist, a radiologist, a breast-health specialist and a primary-care family physician. Besides sharing the advice they now give their own patients, the physicians address the controversial questions head-on:
* Why are women hearing different recommendations if everyone is looking at the same data?
* Do routine mammograms save lives?
* How does mammography rank with other preventive self-care techniques, including self-exam, clinical exam, diet and exercise?
To find the article, visit www.MayoClinic.com, enter search word "mammography."
Sara Bakken507-284-5005 (days)507-284-2511(evenings)email:[email protected]
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