4 Things to Know About the USPSTF’s New Draft Guidance for Mammograms in Tucson and Nationwide

On May 9, 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new screening mammogram draft guidance for women at average risk of developing breast cancer. The new draft guidance differs from their previous recommendation and aligns more closely with screening recommendations from other leading health organizations — a step in the right direction.

Comprised of volunteer subject matter experts and practicing clinicians, the USPSTF reviews the latest in evidence-based medicine and research to make recommendations on public health guidance. The USPSTF draft guidance was open for public and expert review through June 6 before being finalized later this year. Many breast health experts and advocates are expected to comment to help inform the final recommendation. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What the New USPSTF Draft Guidance Says

The newly released USPSTF draft guidance recommends screening mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing every other year to age 74 for women with an average risk of developing breast cancer. The draft states there isn’t enough evidence for USPSTF to make recommendations related to screening mammograms for women age 75 or older. Additionally, the draft guidance includes a call for more research on breast health disparities among minority women, the benefits of breast cancer screenings for women 75+, and the benefits of supplemental screening specifically for women with dense breast tissue.

2. How USPSTF Mammogram Guidance Has Changed

USPSTF last issued guidance about screening mammograms in 2016. At that time, they recommended screening mammograms for women at average risk for breast cancer every other year beginning at age 50. The USPSTF guidelines also recommended that women ages 40 to 49 talk with their providers about their breast cancer risk. In their latest draft guidance, the lowering of the starting age to 40 is now more consistent with the growing body of clinical evidence supporting the benefits of screening earlier.

3. Aligning With Other Recommendations

The new draft guidance also brings USPSTF closer to guidelines from other organizations that recommend screening mammograms begin at 40 for women with an average risk for breast cancer. These organizations include:

● The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

● The American College of Radiology (ACR)

● The American Medical Association (AMA)

● The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

● The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI)

● American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS)

These organizations all recommend annual screening mammograms instead of screening every other year, as proposed by USPSTF. Clinical evidence supports annual screening mammograms have lowered the number of breast cancer deaths in women by 40% compared with less frequent screenings.

4. Recommendations From Experts at Radiology Ltd. Remain the Same

Radiology Ltd. continues to follow the recommendations of the ACR and other breast health expert guidelines. We continue to recommend annual screening mammograms starting at 40 for women of average risk for breast cancer as the standard of care because:

● 1 in 6 breast cancers are diagnosed in women ages 40 to 49.

● 3D screening mammograms can detect cancer up to three years before you can feel a lump.

● A mammogram at age 40 provides a baseline that can help identify subtle changes earlier that may suggest a developing cancer.

● Breast density — an independent risk factor for breast cancer — can only be measured through mammography.

● Breast cancer detected at stage 0 or stage 1 has a five-year survival rate of nearly 100%.

● Early detection often means less need for aggressive treatment.

Tucson, Arizona based Radiology Ltd. imaging experts took an active role in the USPSTF draft guidance comment process. We support the USPSTF draft recommendation in lowering the screening age to 40, as it will ensure greater access to screening for women and detect more breast cancers earlier. However, we encourage the USPSTF to look closely at the growing body of clinical research and patient experience demonstrating that annual mammograms save more lives.

Written by the radiology Ltd. Breast Team

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