US Mammogram Update Sparks Concern, Reignites Debates

Medscape, July 9, 2023:Medscape quotes experts disagreeing about what age (40? 50? to start mammograms and we point out that the science suggests different guidelines based on race and risk. Radiologists suggest Black women start at age 35, which would means $$$ for the radiologists but would do more harm than good for most women. USPSTF recommendations raise concerns about costs, accuracy, timing, and ensuring that abnormal mammograms result in biopsies to learn if treatment is needed.

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NCHR Comments on Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents

May 9, 2022. The currently available evidence on the accuracy of screening tools as well as the potential benefits and harms associated with screening and treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicide risk are insufficient. For this reason, we agree with the USPSTF “I” grade recommendation for MDD screening in asymptomatic children age 11 years or younger and the “I” grade recommendation for screening for suicide risk in asymptomatic children and adolescents of all ages.

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NCHR Comments on Screening for Anxiety in Children and Adolescents

May 9, 2022. We agree with USPSTF’s “I” grade recommendation regarding anxiety screening for children 7 years or younger, since there is not sufficient evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for this age group, or to determine the impact of treatments for anxiety in children in this age group. However, regarding screening for anxiety in asymptomatic children between the ages of 8 and 18, we do not agree with USPSTF’s “B” grade recommendation, because of the lack of direct evidence to support USPSTF’s recommendation. 

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NCHR Comments on USPSTF’s Draft Recommendation on Screening for Syphilis Infection in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults

March 14, 2022. We support the reaffirmation of the previous “A” recommendation of syphilis screening in persons who are at increased risk for infection. However, we urge USPSTF to provide as much guidance as possible to ensure that healthcare providers do not base their decisions on personal or widely held stereotypes pertaining to age, race, ethnicity, social class, or appearance.

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