American Cancer Society statement on the release of mammography guidelines

American Cancer Society
Friday, 22 February 2002

American Cancer Society statement on the release of mammography guidelines from the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF)

The American Cancer Society welcomes the new mammography screening guidelines announced today by Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF). We are currently reviewing the recommendations thoroughly. The USPSTF report concludes that the weight of scientific evidence continues to back the benefits of mammography, and the conclusion remains that regular mammograms are recommended for women 40 and older.

It is important to note that as a part of the review process, the USPSTF included the analysis by Danish researchers Gotzsche and Olsen, whose report has been at the center of the recent debate on mammography. Clearly, the USPSTF review of the Gotzsche and Olsen study did not lead the Task Force to change its recommendation that women 40 and older get regular mammograms.

The American Cancer Society supports the continued consistent and thoughtful analysis of the scientific evidence to support breast cancer screening, with the top priorities being the health and lives of women.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org