The Canadian Association of Radiologists continues to support breast cancer screening for women in their 40s

OTTAWA, Oct. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) guidelines for breast cancer screening support screening Canadian women aged 40 to 49 for breast cancer, the organization said today in response to updated screening recommendations released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in the Journal of the American Medical Association October 20, 2015.

The CAR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards for Breast Imaging and Intervention recommend that women ages 40-49 be screened yearly for breast cancer, every one to two years for women ages 50-74, and every one to two years for women over 74 who are in good general health. Although the ACS recommendations vary slightly from the CAR Guidelines, ACS has strongly reaffirmed that women with an average risk of breast cancer should undergo regular screening mammography starting in their 40's, and that mammography screening saves lives.

Dr. William Miller, President of the CAR, says "The CAR guidelines on when to begin screening, which are evidence-based, are in line with guidelines of other expert North American breast imaging organizations such as the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging. We continue to support high quality screening as an important public health initiative."

About the CAR

The CAR is the national voice of radiology committed to promoting the highest standards in patient-centered imaging, lifelong learning and research. Our physician members are respected as the experts in using diagnostic and therapeutic interventional imaging technology to promote safe, efficient and quality health care for Canadians. Radiologists are integral members of the healthcare team.

SOURCE Canadian Association of Radiologists

To coordinate an interview with a spokesperson from the CAR, contact: Josée Roy-Pilon, Director of Communications and Events, 613 860-3111, ext. 203, [email protected]