Statement Regarding New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Guidelines underscore the need for increased education about breast health among providers and women

(Washington, DC)  —  Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement regarding the new breast cancer screening guidelines released Monday November 16, 2009 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:

“I am very concerned that these guidelines conflict with many of the well-established recommendations from the American Medical Association, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Cancer Society, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This conflicting information will inevitably lead to confusion among providers and women, resulting in fewer women getting screened for breast cancer. At a time when we are working to reform our health care system to provide greater access to preventative care and be more proactive in our approaches to fighting this deadly disease, these guidelines and the fact that they conflict with many of the recommendations from leading cancer organizations, only adds to the confusion that so many women have when it comes to breast health. This underscores the need for increased education about breast health among providers and women. Women need to understand their own health and risk factors and talk with their doctor when in doubt.

“Additionally, there are some who are using this as an opportunity to attempt to score ‘political points.’  There are just some things that are simply above politics, breast cancer is one of the first things that come to mind.”