Author: Caroline Bradford

USPSTF, April 11, 2018, We strongly support the efforts of the USPSTF to draft a research plan to identify benefits and harms of tobacco cessation interventions in broad populations, including pregnant women. We encourage the USPSTF to consider: 1. the necessary evidence to establish the short-term and long-term benefits of tobacco cessation on an individual and population level 2. potential fetal outcomes, including developmental and birth-related outcomes. 3. the harms associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems, as these products have been touted as safer alternatives that may also serve as quit aids.

December 5, 2017. We strongly suggest the USPSTF provide a separate and clear “D” recommendation against screening in premenopausal women younger than 65. We strongly recommend that the USPSTF not finalize its recommendations until further information is made available regarding the direct benefits and harms of screening as noted above. In addition, we strongly urge that the evidence supports that the harms of drug therapies are “moderate” or “moderate to severe” and these risks be compared to the lack of evidence that these drugs reduce hip fractures, rather than concluding that the benefits are substantial and the risks are “no greater than small.” Last, we urge that USPSTF examine the benefits and harms of non-drug therapies as part of its screening recommendations.