The Illinois State Medical Society recommends that physicians and patients continue to follow the guidelines of the American Cancer Society regarding screening mammography and patient breast self-examination.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines recommend:

• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. Starting at age 40, women should have a CBE by a health professional every year.
• Breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
• Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

The American Cancer Society journal: CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians recently published an article summarizing recommendations for early cancer detection, Cancer screening in the United States, 2011: A Review of Current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Issues in Cancer Screening This article can serve as a resource to physicians on current recommendations for screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancers and prostate cancers.

In addition, to assist in discussing recommended preventive care with patients, The American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association have developed health cards for men and women that indicate which tests are recommended for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Kits with these cards are available for free to physician’s practices. To order a kit for your practice, email ILRegistration@cancer.org.

Register for the October 27th 2011 Webinar on Breast Cancer Guidelines and Addressing Disparities in Care, hosted by the Illinois State Medical Society in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.