In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf09/breastcancer/brcanrs.pdf came to some
research-based conclusions that were distinctly unpopular in the US, because
mammograms are so very popular here.  The Task Force's conclusions:

Unless there are specific reasons for doing otherwise (family history, for
instance), they recommend *against* routine mammograms before age 50.
Thereafter, through age 74, they recommend a mammogram every other year.
From 75 on, there isn't enough information to recommend either way.  (My 91
year old no-risk-factors mother opted to go against her doctor's
recommendation and discontinue annual mammograms.  Duh!)  The Susan G Komen
website doesn't acknowledge the new Task Force recommendations, nor does the
American Cancer Society.  Their insistence on previous standards is not
supported by current research.  It may be their outdated recommendations
that this woman's doctor is following.     

From Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple: "If a breastfeeding mother needs a
mammogram, encourage her to look for a radiologist with experience reading
mammograms of lactating women, bring her baby with her to the testing site,
and breastfeed before the mammogram."

And an enlightening article on why mammograms aren't the great-at-any-age
idea that Americans see them as:

http://www.miller-mccune.com/health/convincing-the-public-to-accept-new-medi
cal-guidelines-11422/

So it's likely this mom is a full decade too young to benefit from even a
"baseline" mammogram in the first place.  If she does need a mammogram for
some specific reason, she needs to find a more skilled radiologist.  As
Morgan points out, weaning for a mammogram just increases lifetime risk.

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, LLLL  Ithaca, NY  USA

 


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