
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, December 5, 1993                   TAG: 9312050005
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

ROUTINE EXAM AFTER 50 ONLY? INSTITUTE CHANGES MAMMOGRAM POLICY

The National Cancer Institute is no longer encouraging routine mammograms for women in their 40s, saying there is no evidence the examinations significantly curb breast-cancer deaths in that age group.

The institute announced its position Friday, citing studies that show routine mammograms can detect breast cancer early enough to reduce the death rate for women over age 50.

But it said research doesn't show where routine mammography, generally once every one or two years, led to a similar drop in breast-cancer mortality rates among women aged 40 to 49.

The cancer institute's decision has no legal effect but is likely to influence individual decisions on when to start getting routine mammograms.

"Experts do not agree on the role of routine screening mammography for women ages 40-49," the institute said in a statement. "To date, randomized clinical trials have not shown a statistically significant reduction in mortality for women under the age of 50."

The institute still advocates mammograms and clinical breast examinations for women over 50, because they help reduce breast-cancer deaths by about one-third, institute director Samuel Broder said.

"The factual statement we will be making is that mammography saves lives," Broder said.

A number of outside groups, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have criticized the studies on which the cancer institute's decision is based and advise women in their 40s to continue getting regular screening.

by CNB