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Re-activateThe change seems like a setback for women, and it is disturbing to learn that mammography isn't very effective for women in their 40s and may even do them more harm than good. It's also discouraging that research has found that more testing does not necessarily benefit, and may even harm, consumers.
We can expect more discomforting recommendations in the future, as many medical practices come under stricter scientific examination. The aim of " evidence-based medicine" is to ensure that more of what doctors do for patients actually helps, and that our health-care decisions are based on fact rather than advertising, profit, or tradition. For now, it's important to remember that the task force's recommendations apply only to women in their 40s or 75 and older who are without symptoms. For women, or men, of any age who find a lump, discharge, or skin change in their breast, a speedy doctor's appointment and possibly a mammogram is still crucial.—Ronni Sandroff, Health and Family editorial director
Read more on new recommendations for breast and cervical cancer screenings in the Febuary 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health and get answers to your questions on breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
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