ACS Panel In New York Recommends Legislation To Increase Number Of Physicians Skilled In Interpreting Mammograms

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;  Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 13 Sep 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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A panel of experts formed by the American Cancer Society in New York has released recommendations to promote mammograms and is calling for legislation to increase the number of doctors in the state who are able to interpret mammogram results, the Long Island Newsday reports.

According to the panel, several factors have resulted in decreased mammograms in the state, including difficulties in scheduling appointments and fewer physicians specializing in the procedure. Other issues that have contributed include the increasing number of uninsured women and changing views about mammograms among some women, the panel found. According to Newsday, although a recent study conducted by CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that more women are receiving mammograms nationwide, one-third of eligible women in New York ages 40 and older are not being screened. In addition, a recent study conducted by Nancy Breen of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Cancer found a 4% overall decline in mammography and a 7% decline among women ages between 50 and 64.

Eva Sciandra, a panelist and director of cancer prevention strategies for ACS, said data analyzed by the panel "very strongly suggested there is a downtrend in the number of physicians choosing mammography as a specialty." According to Sciandra, some physicians report extreme stress concerning mammography screening, which has led many to leave the specialty. "The missed diagnosis of breast cancer is the single most common cause of malpractice suits," Sciandra said, adding, "So in looking at this trend of fewer and fewer physicians going into breast imaging, you can see how that is having an impact on women getting an appointment when they want a mammogram." The panel is seeking a sponsor in the state Legislature for a bill that would fund a fellowship to subsidize education for medical students who want to receive mammography training, Sciandra said. She added, "We want to address very specific action steps and to work with other organizations" to develop methods to encourage more women to get screened (Ricks, Long Island Newsday, 9/10).

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