VGH Health Event to Help During Tough Times
Physician directed seminar and routine lab screenings offered

Monroe, WA –The recent recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that women without a family history of breast cancer begin mammography screening at the age of 50 with the screening repeated every two years contrasts sharply with the American Cancer Society’s recommendation of annual mammograms for all women starting at age 40.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer surveyed accredited cancer programs, including Valley General Hospital, and found nearly all have chosen to continue to follow the American Cancer Society’s guidelines. National organizations which have taken the same position include:

• American Cancer Society
• American College of Radiology
• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Physicians at Valley General Hospital reviewed the recommendations in order to provide the community with a clear position on screening mammography. Participating physicians included primary care physicians; radiologists whose areas of expertise include mammography; and specialists from medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery and pathology.

Valley General’s physicians concluded the American Cancer Society’s guidelines have proven to be an effective approach to dealing with the possibility of breast cancer and that women should continue to follow them in consultation with their primary care providers:

1. Annual mammograms starting at age 40.
2. Breast self exams and clinical breast exams.
3. While gene testing, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, has become much more affordable, it is only indicated in a small percentage of situations and should always include counseling and a formal cancer risk assessment by a genetic counselor.

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