U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Are you caught up on the latest preventive care recommendations from the #USPSTF? Check out this quick snapshot of our most notable guidance from the past year. The Task Force encourages healthcare professionals to use this resource to ensure that their conversations with patients are based on the latest guidance, especially around screening for breast cancer, interventions for high BMI in kids, and interventions to prevent falls in older adults. https://lnkd.in/g2Y4yjbj

#ICYMI: The Task Force found that screening for osteoporosis can help prevent fractures in women who are 65 and older, as well as in younger women who have gone through menopause and are at increased risk. #USPSTF member Dr. Esa M Davis, MD MPH FAAFP sits down with JAMA to discuss the Task Force’s new final recommendation and the importance of ensuring women get the care they need to support good bone health. The Task Force found limited evidence on whether screening and current treatments prevent fractures in men, so we’re calling for more research in this area. To listen to the podcast episode, click here: https://lnkd.in/eY_P_2Me

Join us in welcoming two new members to the #USPSTF! Their expertise will help advance our mission-driven goal of improving the health of people nationwide through evidence-based recommendations. Drop a comment below to congratulate Dr. Alicia Fernandez and Dr. Ericka Gibson. https://lnkd.in/eVys5ATY

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and break more easily, which can lead to serious disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, and even death. While not all fractures are caused by osteoporosis, screening for and treating this disease is an effective way to prevent some fractures. The #USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis in all women who are 65 and older, as well as in postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at increased risk. Women who are younger than 65, have gone through menopause, and have at least one additional risk factor for osteoporosis should get a risk assessment to determine whether they should be screened. To learn more about the Task Force’s new final recommendation, click here:?https://lnkd.in/ex7BwKk4

Neural tube defects are when the baby’s spinal cord or brain don’t develop properly during pregnancy, which can cause serious complications including disability and death. Fortunately, taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy helps prevent this from happening. The #USPSTF recommends that anyone who is planning a pregnancy or could become pregnant take this daily supplement to keep the baby healthy. This #BirthDefectsAwarenessMonth and #FolicAcidAwarenessWeek, we encourage you to learn more about the Task Force’s recommendation here:?https://lnkd.in/eTs9YtsP

Screening for cervical cancer saves lives by finding cancer early when it is more treatable, which is why it is essential that women who are 21 to 65 years old get screened regularly. For the first time, self-collected HPV testing is included in the #USPSTF's recommendation. We hope that this new, effective option helps even more women get screened regularly. This #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth, learn more about the Task Force’s draft recommendation to help prevent cervical cancer and share your feedback here:?https://lnkd.in/ezxFYZ_Z

Are you or someone you know interested in working to improve the health of people nationwide by joining the #USPSTF? If so, now is the time to submit nominations! Task Force members are national experts in #primarycare and #preventivemedicine who make unbiased, evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services that are provided by primary care health professionals. Find out what qualifications are required and submit your application before March 15, 2025: https://lnkd.in/en3AsAdp

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults and can result in a loss of mobility and independence, and even death. Vitamin D and calcium are both important to a person’s bone health and overall wellness, so the #USPSTF looked at whether there was evidence that they could help older adults avoid falling and breaking a bone. After reviewing the latest evidence, we found that taking vitamin D supplements with or without calcium does not prevent falls or fractures, so they should not be taken for that purpose. Fortunately, there are other proven ways for older adults to maintain good bone health and prevent fractures, including getting screened for osteoporosis and participating in structured exercise programs. Learn more about our new draft recommendation here:?https://lnkd.in/ecZJekgY

#ICYMI: The Task Force just released its new draft recommendation on screening for cervical cancer. In this article from CNN, #USPSTF member Dr. Esa M Davis, MD MPH FAAFP highlights the importance of getting screened regularly if you are 21 to 65 years old, because cervical cancer is very preventable and treatable. Read more here:?https://lnkd.in/eBC2SG6K

Screening for cervical cancer saves lives and helps find cancer early when it is treatable, so it is essential that women get screened regularly. After reviewing the latest evidence, the #USPSTF recommends women who are 21–29 years old get a Pap test every three years and women who are 30–65 ideally get an HPV test every five years. Alternatively, women ages 30–65 can get a Pap test every three years, or get a combined HPV and Pap test every five years, also known as co-testing. To learn more about the Task Force’s new draft recommendation and the various options for this lifesaving service, click here:?https://lnkd.in/ezxFYZ_Z