Until Science Improves, Current Screening Recommendations Should Remain

To all our dear friends that make up the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate Family:

 

This message to you has but one purpose: ASSURANCE.

 


The recent release of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening recommendations has stirred a great amount of upset among the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate family.

 

I have heard from husbands outraged at the thought of any less power for their wives to defend themselves against breast cancer.

 

I have listened to shaken survivors who would not be alive today if not for a self exam.

 

I have tried to comfort many who have lost a loved one to breast cancer -- a best friend, daughter, niece -- under the age of thirty.

 

And, I have supported women who have never had a scare, but are scared now at that thought of not being able to maintain the early detection practices that give them confidence in life.

 

If you have any of these or similar feelings, I assure you that you are not alone. It is only natural -- after all, for years, you have been living the Komen vision of a world without breast cancer by advocating early detection, awareness and other potentially life-saving practices.

 

Next, I assure you that Susan G. Komen for the Cure dedicates, and always will dedicate, ourselves to being your best advocate in the breast cancer movement. Our stance is simple, but powerful:

Until Science Improves, Current Screening Recommendations Should Remain

 

Click here to read the more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure's positioning on this issue.

 

Susan G. Komen continues to recommend annual mammography beginning at age 40 for women of average risk, and earlier for women with known risks for breast cancer. (Please be sure to review our recommended screening guidelines)

 

Despite the U.S.P.S.T.F. recommendations grabbing the headlines lately, our real focus needs to remain on the fact that one-third of the women who qualify for screening under today's guidelines are not being screened... due to lack of access, education or awareness. If we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer.

 

What can you do to help? TAKE ACTION immediately by signing a petition that will help assure all women have access to life-saving screening.

 

Again, I thank you for making informed decisions and your support. If you have any questions or comments to communicate about this issue, please contact our office at 215-238-8900 or info@komenphiladelphia.org.

 

Warmest regards,


Elaine I. Grobman
Executive Director