Not everyone agrees with new mammographic screening guidelines designed to end confusion

Article Abstract:

Mammographic screening guidelines suggested by the National Medical Roundtable have provoked debate. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women accounts for more than 28 percent of malignant tumors. Estimates for 1989 project that more than 142,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and 43,000 women will die as a result of the disease. One of the best means of lowering these mortality rates is early detection: when breast cancer is detected before it has spread five-year survival rates exceed 85 percent. Many experts feel that mammography, X-ray examination of the breast, is the best means of detecting the cancer during its most curable stage. Although the value of mammography for women aged 40 to 49 years who may be at risk for breast cancer is not in dispute, controversy was caused by the new recommendation that all women in this age range undergo mammography every one to two years. Women in this age group account for less than 10 percent of all breast cancers. Critics argue that there is lack of conclusive evidence demonstrating the benefits of breast cancer screening for women aged 40 to 49 who are not at risk and have no symptoms of breast cancer and that the cost of mass screening would outweigh its benefits. Insurance often does not cover the cost of screening mammography although some states are passing laws requiring insurance companies to pay for these procedures. The cost of screening mammography is being reduced from $125 to $50 as more centers capable of providing low-cost mammographic exams are established. The controversy over breast cancer screening will continue until more is learned about the causes of the disease and the use of mammography in early detection.

Prognosis, Breast cancer, Health insurance, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Cancer

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Preserving scientific debate and patient choice: lessons from the consensus panel on mammography screening

Article Abstract:

The political outcry over the recommendations of a National Institutes of Health consensus panel on mammography illustrate how intellectual freedom and patient choice can be compromised when scientific debate is suppressed. The panel recommended against universal screening of women between the ages of 40 and 49. They believed the decision should be left to the woman and her doctor. This was denounced by critics and the US Congress and Clinton administration pressured the National Cancer Institute to recommend screening in these women. This is extremely damaging to scientific debate, intellectual freedom and patients' rights.

Freedom of information

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State-Specific Cholesterol Screening Trends--United States, 1991-1999

Article Abstract:

Most states have not achieved the cholesterol screening goals proposed in Healthy People 2000. The goal was for 75% of all adults 20 years old and older to have their blood cholesterol checked every five years. The Healthy People 2010 goal is 80% of all adults.

Diagnosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Healthy People 2000 (Report)

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