Breast Cancer Screening to move back to age 40

I have never looked into it, so I wonder how these jokers become a member of the Task Force.

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/sites/default/files/inline-files/uspstf-who-we-are-how-we-work_1.pdf


To paraphrase from the website; The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) makes evidence-based recommendations about preventive services such as screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive medications. Task Force recommendations are created for primary care professionals by primary care professionals. Composed of up to 16 volunteer medical professionals from several different specialities including primary and preventative care and nursing. Usually all are in clinical practice. It is supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to provide scientific, administrative and dissemination support.

I understand they do, but it is basically primary care providers formulating guidelines for the mass population of primary care providers. They certainly have access to research and results of situations with the assistance of the AHQR which could provide expertise. I imagine they can seek information and advice from experts, but I haven’t delved into that aspect of their work.

This is not trivial as not only do their guidelines affect medical practice and potential outcomes, but also influences monetary reimbursements. Traditionally Medicare, and then most other third party payors, determine reimbursement practices based on the guidelines. We know that if screening isn’t reimbursed, it simply won’t be done.

Hi Ed, thanks again for sharing your phenomenal visual skills. Apart from some grandchildren, you are my favorite on Instagram.

My daughter was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer when she was no more than 45. I can't say how grateful I am that she didn't have to wait, while the cancer progressed another five years before detection and treatment.

https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.juro.2017.08.078#main1

I hate to belabor the Task Force but the more I look around, the more fascinating it becomes, and not in a good way. They seem to have their hands in a whole lot of medical concerns, so much so that by my estimation no 16 people could possibly be qualified to issue the Task Force’s recommendations. The TF was envisioned to be independent and free from political pressure. That sounds great but I wonder if it backfired. The TF has virtually no oversight. They enraged the medical community about breast Ca screenings to the point that Congress apparently intervened in 2009. As JNF pointed out, the Task Force has incredible sway in the medical community.

The above linked paper looks to be a good article, but only the first page is available, unless you care to hand over 39 dollars.

I have nothing constructive to say about the task force, based on their record of buffoonery, so i will stay silent. ;-)