Govt: No need to get mammogram under 50

(KXAN/NBC) - Computer models convinced government experts to change their advice on mammograms. The federal government just released new guidelines for breast cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said women who are not at high risk for breast cancer can wait until they are 50 and even then, they only need to be screened every other year. In younger women, the chance of a bad result outweighs the small benefit. Marjorie Gallice was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45. Her mammogram came out negative, but she knew the results were wrong.

"The betrayal I felt when the mammogram did not show the cancer is hard to explain," said Gallice. "I was angry for a long time."

Although the mammogram failed her, she does believe early detection including yearly mammogram testing is key in the battle against breast cancer. However, she does think advances in early detection needs to start now.

"We do need to get upstream on this disease," said Gallice. "We do need better methods of detection, which truly are early detection."

Rayanne Evans, a breast cancer survivor, also has a story to tell.

"When I woke up, the first things out of his mouth were 'You have breast cancer' not 'Hi, How you doing?'" said Evans.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. Her mammogram detected it in its early stages. Through her experience, she encourages women in their 40s to get a mammogram.

"If I had waited until 50, I may not have gotten to see that kid grow up," said Evans.

But new guidelines by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is saying otherwise. The recommendations include women 50 to 74 should get routine mammography screenings every two years, instead of women in their 40s.

Doctor Ames Smith, who specializes in breast surgery at Saint David's Medical Center in Austin, disagrees.

"I think that medically we're still going to go for screening at 40 on, unless someone proves to me there's reason not to," said Smith.

He hopes the issue is not politically motivated through insurance companies.

"I think the public needs to be aware that there is that potential," said Smith. "I'm hoping that's not what the situation actually is."

"When I was younger, that's all I kept hearing, that when you turn 40, you know, you should get your mammogram," said Sabrina Singletary, a patient who just got a mammogram.

But now the government said she does not need one.

"A woman 40 to 49 should know this is a choice," said Dr. Diana Petitti with U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. "That is, the likelihood of having a false positive test with all the attendant anxiety, the additional imaging tests, perhaps even leading to biopsy that may have been unnecessary."

Major medical groups still recommend mammograms under 50 and worry this new advice may confuse patients.

"The worst outcome for this study would be for women to throw up their arms and say, 'Well, I'm not going to get screened at all,'" said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld with the American Cancer Society.

They argue the government put more emphasis on computer models than real patients.

"We're not satisfied at this point that the approach that they used is sufficient and adequate to discard a proven way of saving lives from breast cancer," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld.

Sabrina Singletary is 41 and said she will still get a mammogram every year. But, with the government now recommending against it, it is unclear if insurance will pay.

The task force also said there is no need to teach women to do self-breast exams. The evidence on whether that reduces death rates has been inconclusive for years.

There are several breast cancer organizations in Central Texas. The Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Central Texas and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Austin provide information, resources, counseling and support for Breast Cancer patients and survivors throughout Central Texas.