Some local community members believe that some recent recommendations to delay mammogram screenings tests until age 50 could not come at a worse time with new reports that show Queens as the worst area in the nation when it comes to breast cancer detection.
At a January 11 Community Board 7 meeting, board member Michael Sais raised everyone’s attention to the issue after reading an article in The Huffington Post that showed Queens first diagnosing breast cancer after it had already reached the “late stage,” 33 percent of the time. That is more than double the national average, which is currently 12 percent.
According to the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Cancer Registry, the problem directly affects the northeastern Queens community with female breast cancer rates up seven percent in Whitestone since 1993. In addition, the reported incidences in Bayside are up 27 percent above the DOH’s projected level, with only 111 cases expected but 144 cases observed in 2009.
“These figures are staggering. We need to increase awareness and examinations in our borough immediately to better ensure that women are not only receiving the treatment they need, but are receiving it early enough to make a difference,” Sais said. “For over a decade, the rate of breast cancer in Bayside has remained almost 30 percent higher than expected and yet nothing has been done to address this dangerous situation.”
Mari Carlesimo, the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) interim regional vice president for Queens, said that her organization is monitoring the levels.
“The ACS is dedicated to assessing this information to identify areas in the region that require more intervention, programs and patient services,” Carlesimo said. “For example, to combat an increased level of stage cancer diagnosis, ACS manages the Cancer Services Program of western Queens that provides cancer screenings and treatments when necessary, to the uninsured, at no cost.”
While Queens would benefit from additional screenings, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recently released a new set of guidelines that asks women to delay mammogram screening tests until the age of 50, instead of the age of 40, and after that only getting screened once every other year.
“Given the recent reports that show Queens lagging behind the rest of the nation, I don’t know if the best time to delay mammograms for another 10 years is now,” said Sais.
These guidelines go against the recommendations of some groups, such as the ACS, which is keeping the recommended screening age at 40.
As to why a large percentage of Queens residents are being diagnosed at a late stage, part of the blame may go to the difficult economic climate.
“Lack of health insurance is the most significant factor determining whether a person will receive life saving cancer screenings,” Carlesimo said.
Residents who have been affected by cancer can seek assistance through the ACS by calling 1-800-227-2345 or by visiting www.cancer.org.
