Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Updated

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its recommendations and clinical guidelines on breast cancer screening in women facing average risk.

The updates are intended to reinforce the shared decision-making process between patients and health care providers.

Based on consistent scientific evidence, updated recommendations include:

• Women facing average risk should be offered mammography screenings starting at age 40 years. If women do not begin screening in their 40s, they should start no later than age 50 years. The decision on when to begin screening should follow a discussion between patients and providers on the benefits and harms of screening.
• Women should be screened every 1 to 2 years, depending on patients’ preferences. Screening every 2 years is a reasonable option, especially in women ages 55 years or older.
• Women facing average risk should receive screenings until age 75 years.

Additionally, based on limited scientific evidence and expert opinion, the ACOG also recognizes the potential benefit in assessing patients’ risk of breast cancer by periodically reviewing health history. Average-risk women may also benefit from counsel on breast self-awareness.

---Christina Vogt

Reference:

ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 179: Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician- Gynecologists. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Practice-Bulletins/Committee-on-Practice-Bulletins-Gynecology/Breast-Cancer-Risk-Assessment-and-Screening-in-Average-Risk-Women. Accessed June 23, 2017.