Letter to the Editor

Abstract

I would like to thank Hale and deValpine 1 Hale P.J. deValpine M.G. Screening mammography: revisiting assumptions about early detection. J Nurse Pract. 2014; 10: 183-188 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (4) Google Scholar for an excellent review of the controversies over mammography screening. Clearly there is no easy answer, and there are many controversies and emotional challenges with delivering mammography recommendations. Breast cancer screening is expensive, and it is critical to find the best way to allocate resources in the most cost-effective way. 2 Elmore J.G. Gross C.P. The cost of breast cancer screening in the United States: a picture is worth… a billion dollars?. Ann Intern Med. 2014; 160: 203-204 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar , 3 O'Donoghue C. Eklund M. Ozanne E.M. Esserman L.J. Aggregate cost of mammography screening in the United States: comparison of current practice and advocated guidelines. Ann Intern Med. 2014; 160: 145-153 Crossref PubMed Scopus (73) Google Scholar Screening Mammography: Revisiting Assumptions About Early DetectionThe Journal for Nurse PractitionersVol. 10Issue 3PreviewRecommendations for the frequency of mammography screening vary across several professional advisory groups. In 2009, the United States Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines reduced screening to biennially for women 50-74 years old. Drivers of this change were false-positive results and unnecessary biopsies, exposure to radiation, and treatment of cancers that would never develop. Despite the recommendation, surveys show that screening has actually increased since the change. A review of the individual woman's risk and a more balanced approach addressing both the benefits and harms of screening is required so that patients can make an informed choice. Full-Text PDF