Canadians Pan Mammography for Women in Their 40s

There is a great Op Ed in the Globe and Mail this morning by Dr. Martin Yaffe on just this subject to summarize: the recommendations are wrong based on data from old imaging techniques and treatment protocols.

Read it for yourself at

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/why-i-reject-most-of-the-new-breast-cancer-screening-recommendations/article2252072/?utm_medium=Feeds: RSS/Atom&utm_source=Life&utm_content=2252072

It shouldn't have any effect on actual practice. Patients and physicians make their own choices (contrary to what is sometimes reported south of the border). Generally speaking screening is automatic at 50 in Canada - my wife who is end stage and in palliative care received a form letter from the health ministry last Friday reminding her that it was time to get her to schedule first mammogram as she turned 50 in June.

Bernicky,

My experiences with the Canadian healthcare system have not been so positive.

I am afraid that doctors will use those new guidelines to deny younger women a mammograph even if the woman herself wants it, because "statistically" it is of no benefit.

I speak from experience -- having recently moved back to canada from the U.S. and am having no luck even getting an appointment with an oncologist for follow-up.  And having a general practitioner refuse to refer me for a colonoscopy even though at age 50 and with my health history I am supposed to have one.

I can't believe BCO is still trumpeting the 'mamograms are vital' story. It is well known that NONE of these recommendations apply to people with histories of cancer or at high risk. While individuals may benefit greatly, the evidence simply doesn't  support routine mammography either as "prevention" or as a road to a cure in younger women. I have good reason to believe my tumor was discovered by me because I hit my breast against a heavy hard object and this may have moved the lump, making it easy for me to feel. Do I then defend accidents with dollies as a diagnostic tool? Don't think so.

I live in Canada and had just found a new GP.  I was just about to turn 49.  As my old GP gave up her practice due to illness, she wanted me to get a BL  mammo along with all of the other routine bloodwork etc.  Thank God I figured I would start with the mammo just to get it out of the way! After the initial visit, I got a recall to revisit the left breast, US, then a core needle biopsy. All within 3 weeks.  The path report came in and yep, DCIS with lot of microcalcifications.  My surgeon recommended MX and scheduled me in 4 days later. That was 12/14/11.  While I will be reviewing the full path report with the oncologist 1/18/12, he said the margins were very good with no node involvement. Had I waited another year, this would be a whole different story.  No family history either and I have ALOT of female relatives!