Women Advised To Get Mammograms Starting At 40
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Women Advised To Get Mammograms Starting At 40
Despite a government panel’s finding that most women don’t need mammograms in their 40s, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says women should undergo the screening starting at 40.
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WASHINGTON (November 18, 2009)--Women should continue to get regular mammograms starting at age 40, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday in a statement aimed at easing confusion over a recommendation earlier this week from a government task force.

The government panel said Monday that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s, and that they should get them only every two years starting at age 50, which is different from the longstanding position of the American Cancer Society, which says women should get screening mammograms starting at 40.

Sebelius says the task force doesn't set federal policy, and doesn't "determine what services are covered by the federal government."

Medicare, which covers older Americans and some younger ones who are disabled, provides coverage for an annual mammogram at age 40 and older.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Margo Location: Killeen, TX on Nov 19, 2009 at 01:20 PM

I do Reach To Recovery for Women and Men diagnosised with Breast cancer,and I'm a breast cancer survior. Most all of the cases I've helped with the Breast cancer was found through a mammogram. And most were under 40. Mammograms saves lifes. What if it was them, they would change the ruling.
Posted by: Worried Location: Mexia on Nov 19, 2009 at 01:00 PM

My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I started having regular mammograms 5 years ago because of the family history. To have someone who doesn't know me or the history say that I really don't need a mammogram is outrageous. This is the beginning of a bad healthcare nightmare in this country. You can believe that even if I have to pay out of my pocket, preventative medicine is a must in our lives and I will do what I have to, to make sure I get proper care and the same with my daughter. Years ago it was determined that it was cheaper for the insurance industry to pay for preventative services, they don't need to change the rules now!
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