UW Health Screening Mammography Guidelines: FAQ for Patients
Read more: UW Health's Response to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Screening Mammography Recommendations
Q. I've been hearing about changes in breast cancer screening recommendations. How is this going to affect my screening?
A. The new recommendations were announced by a government panel and have been making headlines, but they won't have an immediate affect on your screening. UW Health will review the new recommendations for timing of mammography as we review all new evidence related to your care. We continue to recognize the value of breast cancer screening with mammography.
Q. Does this mean I should still receive a mammogram every year?
A. Until UW Health fully reviews the new set of recommendations, we continue to recommend screening mammography every one to two years beginning at age 40 for all female patients.
Q. How do I know UW Health's guidelines are what I should follow?
A. UW Health has an established process for reviewing and updating all our clinical guidelines. Our guidelines are a product of the best evidence available as interpreted by nationally recognized experts in the field. We recently reviewed our recommendations for breast screening and have developed programs to improve breast cancer screening among our patients.
Q. Will UW Health be taking the new recommendations into account?
A. We will include the USPSTF recommendations as part of our ongoing review process. If we make changes, we'll discuss them with you and explain the reasons. In the meantime, feel free to discuss any questions with your health care provider so that you can make the best informed decision about your care.
Date Published: 11/25/2009
