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African American doctors have advised
Black women to continue breast cancer screenings at
age 40.
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(NNPA) - The following
is a statement by Willarda V. Edwards, M.D., MBA, president
of the National Medical Association, regarding the 2009 U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force recommendations to conduct
breast cancer screenings between the ages of 50 and 75:
“The National Medical Association
believes African American women, in consultation with their
physician, should continue the practice of routine mammography
screening at age 40 or earlier depending upon the risk factors.
The NMA is concerned about the
USPSTF recommendations that women have routine mammography
screenings beginning at age 50 instead of 40. The new recommendations
could have serious implications for African American women
since studies have shown that African American women develop
breast cancer at an earlier age, are often diagnosed at a
later stage of the disease, and develop more aggressive types
of breast cancer. The USPSTF recommendations could result
in even higher death rates for this disease and further exacerbate
the challenges for the uninsured and the under-insured.
The NMA strongly recommends clinical
breast exams, self-breast examinations, mammography and all
other emerging technologies as important tools in prevention.
The health care community has spent the last two decades promoting
screenings and early detection. We do not want all of the
progress that has been made in promoting screenings to be
lost. The current screening guidelines while not perfect,
they do save lives."
Founded in 1895, the National
Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical
association representing the interests of more than 30,000
African American physicians and their patients. The NMA repeatedly
advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality
health care for all people.
This story comes special to NNPA from the St. Louis American.
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