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Clearview Supports Existing Guidelines For Screening

November 19, 2009

For Further Information:
Leslie Vallely
Communications Director
3601 CCI Drive
Huntsville, Al 35805
256.705.4289/256.503.8268 BB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Huntsville, AL---Clearview Cancer Institute physicians announced their support of the American Cancer Society’s and National Cancer Institute’s existing guidelines for mammography screenings in women. The current recommendations are for women age 40 and older to have mammograms every 1 to 2 years, and those at a higher than average risk of breast cancer, should talk with their healthcare providers about possible mammograms prior to age 40.

After the announcement this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), pushing back the guidelines on initial mammograms from age 40 to age 50, Clearview physicians’ reactions were in stark contrast to the government appointed panel’s new recommendations.

“The benefits of mammography have been demonstrated. Catching breast cancer at earlier stages leads to better survival rates in breast cancer patients,” said Dr. Brian Mathews, oncologist, Clearview Cancer Institute.

According to the National Cancer Institute, several large studies have proven that mammography screening reduces the number of deaths for women ages 40 to 69.

“Early detection is important in survival rates for breast cancer patients. These screenings save lives every day; it’s the best tool we have right now,” according to Dr. John Waples. “It’s minimally invasive with very few side effects.” Waples also noted the importance of self breast exams, “women need to continue self breast exams and be vigilant.”

Clearview oncologist, Dr. Marshall Schreeder, expressed concern that the new recommendation undercuts a successful public campaign telling women that early screening is important.

"We know early detection improves survival," said Schreeder. "Improvements in screening, newer methods of early detection and risk assessment are eagerly anticipated, but, should be tested in prospective trials similar to any other intervention before they become public policy," he continued.

All three physicians agree that every woman should have a risk assessment developed with her physician to include detailed family history and genetic analysis.

"In the future, a genomic delineation of risk should be the basis of the individual's screening plan," Schreeder added.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. More than 190,000 new cases and approximately 40,000 deaths from the disease are expected in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

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