Making Sense of Varying Mammography Guidelines
The month of October may be “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” but at UCLA Health every month is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we want to remind women to get their mammogram.
It also may have women asking, “How often should I have a mammogram?” Their uncertainty is understandable because the key organizations that publish guidelines — American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging and United States Preventative Services Task Force — all vary in their recommendations. These differing opinions have led to confusion not only among women but also among their physicians.
Despite the different recommendations, all organizations agree that yearly screening mammograms save the most lives. However, the organizations disagree on how much emphasis to put on the potential harm from mammography. Possible harm includes:
• Anxiety associated with false-positive (false alarm) results;
• Unnecessary breast biopsies;
• Concerns about radiation; and
• Over-diagnosis of breast cancer
Both the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging feel that saving the most lives is paramount and hence recommend yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40. The cancer society suggests that women hear about mammography’s benefits and possible harms, then decide when they would like to begin yearly mammograms, age 40 or 45, and whether they will continue with yearly screenings after age 54 or transition to biannual screenings.
At UCLA Health, we believe that “every month is breast-cancer awareness month.” I encourage you to discuss with your physician and close family members the benefits and risks of yearly mammograms to help guide you in making the best-informed decision for your health.
Dr. Anne Hoyt is section chief and medical director of Breast Imaging at UCLA Health. For more information about UCLA’s breast-imaging services in Santa Clarita, call 661-253-5858 or visit the website www.radiology.ucla.edu.
ADVERTISE WITH US
Travel the World in 2024 with “Celebrate” Journey to New Destinations Monthly at the Canyon Country Community Center
There is so much to learn from different customs and cultures and you don’t need a plane ticket to experience it all. The Celebrate event series is back for its anticipated third year and offers insights into unique destinations from around the world. Every...
Monthly Message from Mayor Cameron Smyth Buckle up for the 2024 Cowboy Festival!
The aroma of savory barbecue wafting through the air, the joy of line dancing with friends and the chance to travel back in time to the Wild West are all experiences that make the City of Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival so unique. April 20 marks the return of...
Monthly Message from City Manager Ken Striplin Skyline Ranch Park – Welcoming the City’s 38th Park!
Feel the breeze and take in the sweeping views at the City’s 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Opening to the public on Saturday, April 6, Skyline Ranch Park, located at 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, will provide...
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
Santa Clarita Magazine has set a high standard for excellence in advertising for over 34 years. A family owned and operated business, Santa Clarita Magazine has grown with the Santa Clarita Valley since 1990 and become the #1 place to advertise locally.
FOLLOW US
SANTA CLARITA MAGAZINE
PO Box 801570
Valencia Ca 91380
For Advertising information
Call or Text: 1 (661) 294-4444