US sets new age for women to start having mammograms

Faced with ongoing debate about the appropriate age to begin breast cancer screenings, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has made a significant change in its recommendations for mammography.

Now, it is suggested that mammograms begin at age 40, a reduction of a decade compared to the previous recommendation that began at age 50. This change aims to adapt to the increasing incidence rates of breast cancer in younger women.

Why the change in the age recommendation for mammograms?

The 2% per year increase in breast cancer rates among women aged 40, observed between 2015 and 2019, motivated this new guideline. According to John Wong, vice-chair of the working group, there is clear evidence that starting screening earlier can prolong life and improve women’s quality of life. This adjustment aims to identify and treat possible cases of cancer earlier, reducing associated mortality rates.

What is Brazil’s position regarding mammograms?

While in the United States the guidance is now to start mammography at age 40, in Brazil, the Ministry of Health still recommends starting at age 50. However, entities such as the Brazilian Society of Mastology (SBM) already align with the American decision and suggest screening from the age of 40, indicating a possible future review of national guidelines.

The disagreements are not just limited to governments, but also extend between experts and health entities, demonstrating how complex the issue is and subject to different interpretations of scientific data.

Impact of this change on public health policies

The new guidelines not only affect the lives of women who need mammograms sooner, but also have implications for health plans and public health policy as a whole. Insurers, healthcare providers and patients themselves will need to adapt to these new protocols, which will likely include a greater frequency of exams and, consequently, greater vigilance over potentially dangerous conditions.

Criticisms and concerns

• Questions about benefits and harms: The decision faces criticism that it could lead to an increase in unnecessary procedures, such as biopsies and treatments that might not be necessary.
• Health coverage: Concern about how health plans will cover the additional costs and whether insurance companies like Medicare will adjust to cover these new recommendations.
• Inequality in healthcare: The question also arises how these changes will affect demographic groups that already face inequities in access to health care, including minorities and low-income populations.