The mammogram debate rages on. For the first tie since 2002, the government is releasing new guidelines for breast cancer screening. A local doctor and local cancer patient believe the report is confusing.
The report claims breast self exams do not work. Older women should be screened every two years in stead of every year, and mammograms are not necessarily the key to early detection. However, Dr. Shawn Conwell of Palmetto Health's Breast Cancer Center, disputes the recommendations.
“Have a breast self exams at age 20,” said Conwell. “That way you'll know when something's different; at age 40, screenings every year. Evidence shows every year is better than every two years."
Breast cancer survivor, Janice Starnes, says a mammogram at age 40 saved her life. She believes new guidelines from the U-S Preventative Services Task Force, urging women to wait until 50 for their first screening, would be too late.
“Foe someone like me, if those guidelines were in place now that would be my death sentence,” said Starnes.
To see the complete story and find how Dr. Conwell says you can separate fact from fiction, click on the Video Player icon under the News section.
