St. Luke's to Hold Community Forum to Discuss the New Mammography Guidelines and Address Concerns
Bethlehem, PA (11/20/2009) – The community program “Understanding the New Mammography Guidelines: One Size Does Not Fit All” is planned for Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 6 to 7:30 pm at St. Luke's Hospital – Bethlehem Campus to discuss the recommendations announced by the United States Preventive Screening Task Force (USPSTF) November 16, 2009.
The report says that “women ages 40 to 49 should not be routinely screened unless they’re at risk for breast cancer.” In contrast, the American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40.
“These new findings are drastically different from guidelines we have followed for years and have raised a multitude of questions and concerns from women throughout the region and the nation,” says Lee B. Riley, MD, PhD, Medical Director, St. Luke's Cancer Center. Dr. Riley is serving as the program's moderator and a presenter on the panel. “We want to be proactive by providing women in our region with a forum to ask questions and have their concerns addressed.”
Joining Dr. Riley on the panel are Joseph Russo, MD, Section Chief, Women’s Imaging, St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network and Andrea Smith, MS, Genetics Counselor, St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network.
“Screening for breast cancer leads to earlier detection and, in turn, saves lives,” says Dr. Russo. “Our goal is to help women make an informed, personal decision about mammography and know the questions they need to ask their physician.”
Information about St. Luke's Personalized Breast and Ovarian Health Program will also be discussed during the forum. The new program is a free assessment that helps evaluate personal risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
The program will be held in the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, Lecture Room 1, at St. Luke's Hospital – Bethlehem Campus. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve your seat, please contact St. Luke's InfoLink toll-free at 1-877-610-6161 or email infolink@slhn.org. Light refreshments will be served.
