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AAFP Develops Counseling Tools for Physicians and Patients

Handouts Explain Risks and Benefits of Mammograms and PSA Testing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 06, 2002

Contact:
Adam Lee
American Academy of Family Physicians
(800) 274-2237 Ext. 5221
alee@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, Kan. — The American Academy of Family Physicians has developed handouts to explain the risks and benefits of breast and prostate cancer screenings. The handouts will help patients and physicians make the best decision on whether to have a mammogram or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and are available from your family physician.

The Academy currently recommends that women between ages 40 and 49 discuss the need for a mammogram with their family physician and that women between the ages of 50 and 69 receive a mammogram every one to two years. The Academy is reviewing current scientific data on mammograms to decide if an update to the current policy is needed.

There are differing recommendations on when patients should undergo these tests. The AAFP bases screening recommendations on available clinical evidence and currently recommends that men ages 50 to 65 discuss the known risks and uncertain benefits of screening for prostate cancer with their family physician. At present, there is no evidence that demonstrates that screening for prostate cancer improves overall health.

“We want to work with our patients and their families to make the best medical decisions,” said Barbara Yawn, M.D., M.Sc., a family physician in Rochester, Minn., and chair of the Academy’s Commission on Clinical Policies and Research. “These educational tools provide the medical evidence, your family doctor can help you use the evidence to decide what type of cancer screening is right for you.”

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Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Family Physicians represents more than 93,500 family physicians, family practice residents and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical specialty organization devoted solely to primary care. Please visit www.aafp.org to learn more about the AAFP.
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents more than 94,700 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.

Nearly one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 208 million office visits each year - nearly 83 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty.

In the increasingly fragmented world of health care where many medical specialties limit their practice to a particular organ, disease, age or sex, family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person across the full spectrum of ages. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.

To learn more about the American Academy of Family Physicians and about the specialty of family medicine, please visit aafp.org.

For more information about the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care and downloadable multi-media on family medicine and health care, visit the AAFP Media Center.

For more information about health care, health conditions, and wellness, please visit familydoctor.org.