Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations Inspired Discussion at The C-Word
The Lesbian Cancer Initiative’s 6th Annual The C-Word: Coming Together Around Cancer was a powerful evening. There was art, spoken word, education and poignant discussion of politics in light of the recent announcement of new breast cancer screening recommendations that would push the age to start regular mammography back from 40 to 50.
On November 16, The New York Times published an article about an expert panel’s decision to recommend people start mammography later in life, have mammograms less frequently, not perform self exams and possibly stop getting mammograms after age 75. The panel, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), reviewed data and concluded that the number of lives saved by mammography did not support yearly screening starting at age 40, a reversal of its 2002 recommendations for the test.
The new recommendations largely surprised the breast cancer advocacy community. In this youtube video, The C-Word attendees and speakers express deep concern and determination to keep fighting for our health in response to the USPSTF’s new guidelines about breast cancer screening. Watch the video above.