Last Fall, the USPSTF released controversial new mammogram guidelines changing recommendations for mammograms to start at age 50 rather than 40 and recommending mammograms every 2 years rather than annually. This was met with national public and professional outrage and subsequently many physician groups and the American Cancer Society came out against these guidelines. In addition, the Senate disagreed with guidelines and approved an amendment that would require health insurance companies to cover mammograms for women aged 40-49.
Suffice it to say, I do not agree with these USPSTF guidelines. I recommend that women get a baseline digital mammogram between the ages of 35-40 and then annually beginning at age 40. Women at high risk for breast cancer (personal history, dense breasts, strong family history, and/or carrier of BRCA type gene mutations predisposing to breast cancer…
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Mona Saint M.D., M.P.H. is a board certified Ob/Gyn and a mother of two young boys. She has won awards of excellence in gynecologic surgery and teaching, and she continually receives the highest ratings in patient satisfaction surveys. Most of all, she is appreciated for her down to earth and easy to understand explanations of complex medical questions and her empathetic style.