In January 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) began the process of updating its recommendations for breast cancer screening. The announcement and call for public comment on the research plan are the initial steps in the update process. Once the research has been completed, the task force will publish a draft of the final recommendation and evidence review. At that point, a second opportunity for public comment will occur.

In 2016 the task force found insufficient evidence to recommend digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) as a primary or adjunctive modality for screening. The task force also found insufficient evidence to support breast MRI as an adjunct for screening in women with dense breasts. This was important guidance for payers struggling to navigate this landscape and understand the appropriate role of these technologies.

Carelon will be following new recommendations as they evolve and updating clients as further information becomes available. For more information on the USPSTF process, please visit:

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-update-summary/breast-cancer-screening1