Breast Health: Mayo Clinic Reports Decline in Preventative Mammography

Breast health is important in the life of every woman. Breast cancer when diagnosed early has one of  the best chances of patient survival. This fact remains largely undisputed. The controversy as to the best way to secure an early diagnosis continues. After a couple of years of contradictory recommendations and reports that concluded mammograms beginning at 40 years of age were unnecessary, a new report from the Mayo Clinic shows a decline in women having initial mammograms at 40 years of age. According to a recent online article, preventive mammography rates in women in their 40s have been reduced to rates close to 6 percent nationwide beginning with the time the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) first recommended against routine mammograms for women belonging to this age group, a Mayo Clinic analysis proved.

Breast Health at Rick Mammograms Decline

That is representative of a seemingly small but important decrease that began once the controversial guidelines were released, the researchers say. Their conclusions were presented at the Academy Health Annual Research Meeting in Orlando, Fla. The 2009 USPSTF guidelines resulted in massive pushback from patients, physicians and other medical organizations, which subsequently caused many medical societies to publish opposing guidelines, stated in part by co-author Nilay Shah, Ph.D., a researcher at the Mayo Clinic Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. The goal was to determine the impact that the recommendations and public debate that followed would have on the utilization of mammography on women in their 40’s.

Breast Health at Newport Plastic Surgery

Breast health is at the forefront of Dr. Seify’s practice as a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift patients are all required to have a mammogram prior to their breast surgery if they are over 35 years of age. There also encouraged to perform breast self-exam monthly to determine if there are any changes to the breast. Breast reconstruction patients often tell Dr. Seify that their breast cancer diagnosis was discovered through a mammogram screening. Breast health encompasses lifestyle choices including avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight as well as diet and exercise choices. These positive steps help women to maintain their best health overall which includes breast health. Dr. Seify encourages patients to discuss their specific mammogram screening recommendations with their primary care physician.