Prevention Matters

Partnership for Prevention President Robert J. Gould today issued the following statement regarding a New York Times article about a report that breast cancer screening may be leading to overtreatment similar to that resulting from prostate cancer screening:

“The US Preventive Services Task Force has never recommended screening for prostate cancer, but it has recommended mammograms and has modified those recommendations as necessary. The proper use of screening remains an invaluable tool in breast cancer detection and treatment and in saving lives. A woman’s personal physician is the expert best equipped to help her decide what procedures should be employed in her individual circumstances. This important public discussion about screening should not discourage anyone from consulting their doctor.”