CT BREAST HEALTH INITIATIVE RESPONDS TO CHANGES TO

USPSTF MAMMOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

CONTACT: JOYCE BRAY

860-655-2212

New Britain, CT – November 18, 2009 – Because the United States Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently announced that it is changing its
guidelines for mammography and no longer recommends routine screening for
women between the ages of 40 and 49, The Board of Directors of the CT Breast
Health Initiative is responding with the following statement.

CT BHI agrees with the American Cancer Society continued

recommendation for annual screening using mammography and clinical
breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. The ACS previously
convened an expert panel to conduct an extensive review of similar data
available to that collected by the USPSTF.

We agree that mammography has its limitations, but that does not change the
fact that breast cancer screening using mammography starting at age 40 saves
lives. The USPTF says screening 1904 women ages 40-49 in order to save one
life is not worthwhile. We place high value on saving even one life and on
detecting breast cancer early.

According to one of CT BHI’s breast cancer grant recipients, Susan Tannenbaum,

medical director of the Clinical and Translational Breast Program at the University
of Connecticut School of Medicine, there are years of proof demonstrating that
mammograms save lives. “Right now there is no other screening tool.
Mammography saves lives.”

Honest differences in opinion can and do exist, and such differences represent
attempts on the part of individuals and organizations to find best possible care for
women of all ages and to reduce the mortality and morbidity of breast cancer.
However, we are concerned about the differing conclusions reached by various
breast cancer organizations which will result in the public’s confusion.

We call upon women to follow the ACS guidelines until improved screening
methods for women 40-49 are found, and encourage third party payers to fund
regular and ongoing mammograms, especially if a woman and her physician are
in agreement.

The CT Breast Health Initiative works passionately to making a difference locally

in the fight against breast cancer through education and research. In 6 years it
has granted $1.2 million to CT breast cancer researchers. “We are totally
committed to making real and important progress in improving the health of
women and families in our state”, states Joyce Bray, President.

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