Survey Finds States Limiting Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine;  Preventive Medicine
Article Date: 24 Feb 2010 - 4:00 PDT

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A survey released Monday of 150 breast cancer health educators and providers from 48 states and Washington, D.C., found that roughly one-fourth say their states have limited mammography services and other early detection programs for women younger than age 50 since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's release of new breast cancer screening guidelines late last year, Reuters reports (Steenhuysen, Reuters, 2/22). The guidelines, released in November 2009, call for biennial mammograms for women ages 50 through 74 but do not recommend routine annual mammograms for most women in their 40s ( Women's Health Policy Report, 2/16).

For the survey, the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade questioned its grant recipients at the group's annual breast cancer forum about states' responses to the guidelines, according to Mark Caffee, a spokesperson for the foundation. Respondents ranged from small community groups to large cancer centers.

Respondents from Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York state and Washington, D.C., said that breast and cervical cancer screening programs have been reduced or eliminated for woman younger than age 50. According to Reuters, the programs receive funding from the states and the federal government. They offer cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured women.

"Our survey gives us an early indication from those working on the front lines of breast cancer education, screening and treatment as to how the recommended guidelines may be affecting their work," Marc Hurlbert, director of the foundation, said. James Thrall -- chair of the American College of Radiology's Board of Chancellors, which has rejected the guidelines -- said, "Lawmakers at all levels need to act now to ensure that these recommendations do no further damage, and that women have full and ready access to mammography" (Reuters, 2/22).

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