May 16, 2003 – Medical authorities have issued two important updates in the past few days regarding the prevention of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
As a first step, the American Cancer Society (ACS), despite the confusion that reigns on this subject, strongly recommends that women have an annual mammogram at the age of 40, in addition to affirming that it there is no age to put an end to this practice. In recent years, various experts have questioned the usefulness of an annual mammogram, or even its necessity for older women.
The position of the body is more ambiguous when it comes to the usefulness of breast self-examination. A spokeswoman said there was no indication that such a practice could increase a woman’s chances of survival, but that it remains important for her to be familiar with her breasts and to report any changes to her. his doctor.
The ACS says these recommendations, which were developed by 42 Canadian and American physicians, reflect the most recent scientific findings.
In addition, an article1 published in the JAMA brings back to 115/75 the level of blood pressure considered “normal”. The previous threshold was 120/80. Doctors now say that at this level, a patient suffers from prehypertension and is at risk of high blood pressure, which begins at 140/90.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to mayoclinic.com and Reuters Health, May 15, 2003.
1. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, Cushman WC, Green LA, Izzo JL Jr, Jones DW, Materson BJ, Oparil S, Wright JT Jr, Roccella EJ. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: The JNC 7 Report.JAMA 2003 May 14; [epub ahead of print]. [Consulté le 16 mai 2003].
