Could the new breast cancer guidelines devastate black women?

Two days ago the Associated Press reported that a government task force is now recommending that women begin getting regular mammograms at age 50 rather than at 40, and that the frequency be reduced from annual to once every two years.

Since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPST) announced its breast cancer screening guidelines, plenty of women have been left angry and confused. I even had gal pals lamenting the news on Facebook.

And Dr. Marisa Weiss, director of Breast Radiation Oncology and director of Breast Health Outreach at Pennsylvania’s Lankenau Hospital, believes one demographic should be particularly incensed: black women.

In a NewsOne report by Ashton Lattimore, Dr. Weiss was quoted saying: “These new recommendations could have a devastating effect on African-American women.” She went on to add, “African-American women are more likely to get breast cancer than white women when they’re under age 40.” 


The U.S. Department of Health reports that Black women ages 35 to 44 have a breast cancer death rate more than twice that of white women in the same age group.

Fortunately, both the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen breast cancer advocacy foundation have issued statements saying they have reviewed the same data as the USPST and still believe women should follow the old recommendations.

I just pray doctors and insurance companies listen and not try to hinder 40-something women from getting the exams.