The Edgitators: Are the New Breast Cancer Guidelines Confusing?

CHARLOTTE, NC — Less is apparently more when it comes to breast cancer screenings. That’s according to new guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society. 

The organization says women should start getting mammograms at 45 instead of 40, and skip routine manual breast checks by doctors. The reason? To help eliminate false positive results. Some physicians say they’re concerned the guidelines may shift focus away from catching cancer early.

“Picking up cancers earlier, where the treatment is easier for patients, we can spare patients mastectomies and chemotheraphy,” says Dr. Erika Hamilton of the Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Research Program. “That’s very important for the 1/8 women that are going to be diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Still, the American Cancer Society says the guidelines should not stop a woman who wants extra screening at any age from getting it.

And that brings us to our Question of the Night: Will the new breast cancer guidelines create clarity or confusion?  The Edgitators weigh in…