Dr. Clare Bradley, Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society in New York and New Jersey is testifying this afternoon in front of the New York City Council. The Council has scheduled hearings on the controversy surrounding mammography and the life-saving value of early detection. Below is a statement from Dr. Bradley.
NEWS from the American Cancer Society
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
All Women Over 40 Should Be Screened for Breast Cancer
Statement by Dr. Clare Bradley, Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society, New York and New Jersey in conjunction with New York City Council hearings on mammography guidelines
NEW YORK December 10, 2009 —“As we face a turbulent time in health care, New Yorkers and Americans alike need to access consistent and understandable health information that allows them to make meaningful decisions with their doctors about preventative services.
We have made a great deal of progress in cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care over the last few decades. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support the value of mammography in effectively reducing deaths from breast cancer. In looking at that evidence, the Society, along with other medical groups, believes that screening mammography offers an identifiable and important survival benefit to women in the 40-49 age group.
Mammography saves lives, and we must refrain from doing things that undermine confidence in that. Unfortunately, the confusion created by these new recommendations leads many women to wonder whether they should get an annual check-up. The American Cancer Society urges all women over 40 get screened.”
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.