Annual mammograms help detect breast cancer early | GUEST COMMENTARY

Published 2:23 pm Friday, October 17, 2014

By Sherry Kuzan, RN.

In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Task Force (USPTF) released research that changed the guidelines for mammogram screening. Since the release of these altered guidelines, there has been significant confusion about when women should begin to receive regular mammograms.

The new guidelines suggest the average woman should wait to have regular mammograms until age 50 (formerly 40) at a frequency of every two years (instead of annually) until age 74.

A key reminder: the USPTF recommendation is for screening mammograms. Mammograms are still needed at almost any age if a lump is found. The recommendation also does not apply to all women, only for the average woman. Women at especially high risk may want to start mammograms at age 40 or even earlier.

Every woman should check with her health-care provider to make an informed decision. Early detection of breast cancer could save your life.

What many women don’t know is that under the Affordable Care Act, every insured woman is entitled to a screening preventative mammogram at no cost.

Yes, you read that correctly; a preventative mammogram screening is free for insured women. There is no copay, no coinsurance, and no charge to the individual for that mammogram.

Every woman is also entitled a self-referral for screening preventative mammograms. What does mean? Any woman over 40 who does not currently have a breast health problem or new lump can simply call the Breast Center herself without seeing a physician to obtain an “order” or referral.

Now, let’s try to provide some clarity on the conflicting USPTF guidelines for mammogram screening: The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman who is getting older, and that’s why it’s so important to be screened regularly. The bottom line is that annual mammograms help detect breast cancer early and improve the chances that it can be successfully treated. Let’s be honest, nobody looks forward to having a mammogram, but keep in mind that the implications of not having one could be life-saving.

In many cases, early detection is what makes the key difference in a successful treatment.

At the UW/VMC Breast Center all mammogram screening is focused on care, compassion, and comfort. The Breast Center at UW | Valley Medical Center is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays.  To learn more, or to make a self-referred appointment, call 425-656-5588 or visit www.valleymed.org/breastcenter.

Sherry Kuzan is a registered nurse and the manager of the Birth Center at Valley Medical Center.