Guidance on when women should begin their annual mammograms has changed according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Instead of beginning screenings are age 50, it’s 40 years of age. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney said it’s welcome news.
“At least they’re stepping in the right direction. We’ve never changed our recommendations. We have always advocated for the average risk woman to start at the age of 40,” said McKinney.
Several organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the College of Radiology, and the American Cancer Society have recommended beginning mammograms at the age of 40.
McKinney said she believes after reviewing data and that more and more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age prompted the change.
“And we’re seeing women coming in diagnosed with breast cancer, which is younger than age 50, that they are now pushing their guidelines down to at least 40,” said McKinney.
USPSTF still advises women to have mammograms every other year, however, McKinney and other health organizations recommend annual mammograms.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, McKinney said you should be screened earlier, depending on the age that your family member was diagnosed.
“If you have someone in the family who was diagnosed in their 40s, let’s say 45, your screenings should start 10 years earlier than that age of diagnosis, so at age 35,” said McKinney.
McKinney said if finances are an issue in being screened annually for breast cancer, know that there are programs available to help pay for services and to be diligent about screenings.
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