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It begins: Government panel revises mammogram advice

Posted 17 Nov 2009 in healthcare

Who needs “death panels” when the federal government now discourages mammograms?

This raises huge red flags. The cynic in me suspects the government’s impending role as health insurance provider.

NEW YORK — A government task force said Monday that most women don’t need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50 — a stunning reversal and a break with the American Cancer Society’s long-standing position. What’s more, the panel said breast self-exams do no good, and women shouldn’t be taught to do them.

The news seemed destined to leave many deeply confused about whose advice to follow.
[...]
But the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel of doctors and scientists, concluded that such early and frequent screenings often lead to false alarms and unneeded biopsies, without substantially improving women’s odds of survival.

“The benefits are less and the harms are greater when screening starts in the 40s,” said Dr. Diana Petitti, vice chair of the panel.

Breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed at a young age were among the more vocal critics of the new guidelines.

Yeah, don’t bother checking yourself for breast cancer. Because once the government is in charge of your health care, they’re not going to pay for your treatment anyway.
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UPDATE: Ed Morrissey makes an interesting observation about the doctors on the Preventive Services Task Force which might partially explain the sudden reversal toward decreased screening and prevention.

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

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