The Radiological Society of North America is slated to weigh in on the mammography controversy with a panel discussion featuring experts opposed to proposed new guidelines at the 44,000-member organization's annual meeting in Chicago.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government advisory panel of physicians and scientists, called for changing the age that women should first be screened for breast cancer from 40 to 50 in recommendations released on Nov. 16. The task force said mammograms for younger women have a higher rate of false-positive results, causing significant anxiety, unnecessary biopsies and unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Mary C. Maloney, MD, director of breast imaging at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, who serves as vice chairwoman of the RSNA Public Information Committee, disputed the guidelines, saying 40 is the best time to start screening.

"Despite the limitations, screening mammography is a very effective test and a valuable tool in fighting against breast cancer," she said. "Yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40 is still the best, most efficacious method of reducing mortality from breast cancer."

The RSNA this week joined several organizations, including the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society, in speaking out in opposition to the USPSTF recommendations.

"USPSTF recently released guidelines that fly in the face of evidence that mammography screening for women over 40 saves lives," the organization stated in a notice for Wednesday's media briefing. "Many patients, breast cancer survivors, medical experts and government authorities dispute the guidelines as being without scientific evidence. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of annual mammograms. Deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 30 percent since 1990, when mammography screening beginning at age 40 became more widespread."

RSNA officials noted that in a recent message, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius acknowledged the worry these guidelines have incited. She urged women to do what they have always done – consult their doctors and make the decision that is right for them.

RSNA officials said today's panel would present data to refute the validity of the USPSTF recommendations.

Besides Mahoney, Wednesday's RSNA panel consists of:

• W. Phil Evans, MD, director of the Center for Breast Care at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and president of the Society of Breast Imaging;
• Stephen A. Feig, MD, a professor of radiology at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine and president-elect of the American Society of Breast Disease; and
• Daniel B. Kopans, MD, a senior radiologist in the breast imaging division at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School.