News Release

Change in mammography guidelines questioned

Peer-Reviewed Publication

SAGE

Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC (Jan 28 2010) The methodology and evidence behind a widely publicized change in national mammography guidelines is questionable, according to a review in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS), published by SAGE.

In November 2009, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine discussing the screening techniques for the early detection of breast cancer. A few isolated portions of that report, regarding recommended changes for the use of mammography, were widely discussed in the media, and garnered tremendous public attention.

This new JDMS article provides an evidenced-based review of the work and recommendations contained in the USPSTF report and raises the question whether the controversial conclusions for breast cancer screening were supported by established scientific measurement and research standards. The JDMS review found low methodological scores in the USPSTF report, which may place in question the recommendations generated from the report.

The article concludes that, despite the report's depiction as a systematic review, the USPSTF report was actually just a review of literature, which reduces the overall scientific impact of the report to a much lower level in the hierarchy of evidence.

"Even though the methodology used by the USPSTF is not clear and the level of evidence is questionable, the proposed recommendations have been highly publicized." writes author Kevin D. Evans. "The most appropriate way to guarantee patients are receiving quality health care is to become adept at reviewing published research and implementing information that will change current practice patterns."

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The article "Review of the US Preventive Services Task Force's Statement on Screening for Breast Cancer" in Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is available free for a limited time at http://jdm.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/26/1/19.

The Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography publishes the latest practical and research applications of diagnostic ultrasound. Advances in the newest hardware/software technologies and equipment are reviewed and thought-provoking case reports are presented. Through its dynamic features, the bimonthly journal helps those using sonography to integrate complex information while updating their professional skills. http://jdm.sagepub.com

SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology, and medicine. An independent company, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC. www.sagepublications.com


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