MAMMOGRAM GUIDELINES

Mammogram Update:  There has been controversy over a recent recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Your physicians at Women's Health Associates will be monitoring the recognized expert organizations in this field for any changes in the current recommendations. For now, there are no changes in our current recommendations for annual screening mammography starting at age 40. The following is a link from theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with their response:   http://www.acog.org/from_home/Misc/uspstfResponse.cfm

BREAST MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used in addition to annual mammogram to detect breast cancer in those that are at a higher risk to develop breast cancer. Generally, it is recommended in those women with a lifetime risk of 20% or greater. Below is a link explaining in detail the guidelines.                  

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastCancerEarlyDetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs

FLU VACCINE

Women's Health recommends the flu vaccine in pregnancy.  Preferable to get preservative free version. Additional information regarding the flu vaccine can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PregnancyAndFlu/

HPV VACCINE

There are currently two vaccines available at the Health Department or Planned Parenthood, Gardisil or Cervarix. You can also get a script from your physician and fill it at Kilgore's Pharmacy in town.