In this article, Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine , shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Virginia residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health. Why This Matters to You
The USPSTF has strongly recommended that all women begin breast cancer screenings at age 40. Screenings should continue every other year through age 74.
What This Means for Your Health
"This proactive shift in public health strategy is aimed at reducing breast cancer death rates among women." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine
Doctor's Expert Insights About The New Mammogram USPSTF Guidelines and Women's Health in Alexandria County, Virginia
Know this: "The new guidelines now say that all women should get a mammogram every two years, starting at age 40. This change was made mainly because more women in their 40s are getting breast cancer than before. Also, Black women have a higher chance of dying from breast cancer, when compared to other women. Starting screenings at a younger age could help find breast cancer earlier and improve the chances of survival. Many people may not know that having dense breasts can make it harder to see breast cancer on a mammogram."
Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine. Health News Today: The USPSTF advises that all women start getting breast cancer screenings every other year--starting at age 40.
The new guidelines suggest that getting a mammogram every two years has more benefits and fewer downsides compared to getting one every year.
The Science Made Simple: Key Findings and What They Mean for Alexandria County Residents
Breast cancer mortality: Biennial screening mammography in women aged 40 to 74 years has a moderate benefit in reducing breast cancer mortality.
Disparities in breast cancer outcomes: Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer beyond stage I. Also, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative cancers and are approximately 40% more likely to die of breast cancer compared with White women.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): Current evidence suggests that both digital mammography and DBT are effective primary screening modalities. Modeling estimates that the benefits of DBT are similar to digital mammography.
Supplemental screening: There is insufficient evidence to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplemental screening for breast cancer using breast ultrasonography or MRI in women identified to have dense breasts on an otherwise negative screening mammogram.
Screening in older women: There is insufficient evidence to determine the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.
Conclusion: The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years. More research is needed to address evidence gaps regarding screening in older women, supplemental screening in women with dense breasts, and disparities in breast cancer outcomes, especially in Black women.
Medical News Today: What This Means for Your Health in Alexandria County, Virginia
The Bottom Line: Early detection is key, and every woman should discuss their screening schedule with their healthcare provider to ensure timely and appropriate care.
"This change was driven by two major factors. First, more women in their 40s are getting breast cancer, with rates increasing about 2% each year—which means there is more potential benefit to screening. Second, our modeling was able to use new data on screening in the United States and to look at outcomes specific to Black women for the first time. It is now clear that screening every other year starting at age 40 years has the potential to save about 20% more lives from breast cancer among all women, and there is even greater potential benefit for Black women, who are about 40% more likely to die of breast cancer." USPSTF. (Study Interview)
Health Standard Newswire : The USPSTF advises that all women start getting breast cancer screenings every other year-- starting at age 40.
Health Facts That Matter: Key Statistics for Alexandria County, Virginia
The following health facts impact your physical health directly!
Did you know there were 15724 deaths from cancer in Virginia in 2021?
10.9% of you in Alexandria County are smokers.
78.5% of you in Alexandria County have had a mammogram in the past year.
27.3% of you in Alexandria County are binge drinkers.
All of these variables above play an important role in the outcomes of your overall health.
