In The News:
US Gov’t Changes Mammogram Recommendation:
What’s AICR’s Take?

On Monday, November 16, the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) announced that it is changing its guidelines for mammography and no longer recommends routine screening for women between the ages of 40 and 49. By pushing the recommended age to begin regular mammograms from 40 to 50, the task force’s stated goal is to prevent harm caused by “false positive” results seen among 40 to 49 year olds.

Previously, major government agencies and private breast cancer organizations generally agreed that 40 should be the age at which women begin to receive mammograms and breast self-examinations (BSEs). The new government guidelines, which do not apply to women with high risk factors for breast cancer, also concluded that women between ages 50-74 should get fewer mammograms than previously recommended: once every two years instead of every year. In another change, the new guidelines say the value of breast exams by doctors is unknown and recommend against teaching breast self-examinations to women.

Based on the USPSTF guidelines, the National Cancer Institute (along with some breast cancer groups) says it is considering changing its recommendation. The American Cancer Society, however, has stated that it will continue to recommend an annual mammogram and breast examinations for all women beginning at age 40.

AICR’s Take

When it comes to research relating to the prevention of cancer via diet, nutrition, and weight management, the American Institute for Cancer Research is the leading authority, and has released its own recommendations. When it comes to the issue of mammography and breast self-examinations, however, AICR follows the National Cancer Institute recommendations.

For now, as NCI weighs the evidence, AICR materials on breast cancer screening and breast examinations will remain the same, reflecting NCI’s current recommendation for mammograms to begin at age 40.

As the debate on the benefits and risks of screening continue, remember that research shows that women can take steps now to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

The largest review of research into lifestyle and breast cancer ever conducted, completed this year, confirmed that women can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, drinking less alcohol and breastfeeding their children.

AICR estimate that almost 40 per cent of breast cancer cases in the United States or about 70,000 cases every year could be prevented by making these straightforward everyday changes

The new study is an update to the breast cancer report on cancer prevention published by AICR and WCRF in 2007.

To Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

• Aim to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
• If you drink alcohol at all, limit consumption to one drink a day for a woman (and two for a man).
• AICR also recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods. Evidence is convincing that mothers who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast cancer. There is also probable evidence that children who are breastfed have a lower risk of gaining excess weight as they grow.

You and Your Doctor

As the USPSTF report states:

The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take into account patient context, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms.

USPSTF guidelines are based on population data and statistical modeling. The decision to receive mammograms and/or breast examinations is an individual one that a woman should discuss with her doctor, say AICR experts.

Women looking to reduce their cancer risk by living a healthier lifestyle can visit AICR’s website,
which offers strategies and information.

Read the USPSTF Summary of Recommendations.

For more details, the guidelines and methodology are published in The Annals of Internal Medicine.

Read ACS’s response to the USPSTF guidelines.

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The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $91 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.