A Radiologist's Perspective on New Patient-Facing Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

In a recently reported survey, published by the journal Academic Radiology, researchers found that out of nearly 2,000 women between the ages of 40 and 49, over 53 percent said they did not have a screening mammogram in the past year. According to the survey, over 38 percent of those who did not have a mammogram said they had no reason to get one or had never thought about it.

In a recent video interview, Amy K. Patel, M.D., discussed patient education on mammography screening and the potential impact of new patient-oriented breast cancer screening guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

The NCCN guidelines on ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer are in alignment with guidelines and recommendations from the American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging, according to Dr. Patel, the medical director of the Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital in Kansas City, and an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“I was very pleased to see that the NCCN is recommending annual screening mammography in average risk women beginning at the age of 40,” noted Dr. Patel, the president-elect of the American Association for Women in Radiology.

Dr. Patel also praised the NCCN guidelines for the recommendation of supplemental breast MRI for women who have an above average risk for breast cancer and the inclusion of screening considerations for pregnant and lactating women.

For more insights from Dr. Patel, watch the video below.