Confused Over the New USPSTF Recommendations on Screening Mammorgraphy?

There has been a lot of media coverage and confusion over the change in the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations on screening mammography. To get the complete and accurate story, click here to read the full recommendations and rationale for the change.

A summary of the recommendations is presented below, including a quote from Diana Petitti, MD, MPH, Vice Chair of the USPSTF before U.S. Congress on November 19, 2009.

The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms (emphasis added).
Grade: C recommendation. (The USPSTF recommends against routinely providing the service)

"So, what does this mean if you are a woman in your 40s? You should talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about whether a mammography is right for you based on your family history, general health, and personal values."
Diana Petitti, MD, MPH
Vice Chair, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
November 19, 2009

* The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years.
Grade: B recommendation. (The USPSTF recommends the service)

* The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.
Grade: I Statement. (Insufficient evidence)

* The USPSTF recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE).
Grade: D recommendation. (The USPSTF recommends against the service)

* The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination (CBE) beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.
Grade: I Statement. (Insufficient evidence)

* The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of either digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of film mammography as screening modalities for breast cancer.
Grade: I Statement. (Insufficient evidence)