The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a highly respected group of preventive medicine experts, recently updated the recommendations for breast cancer screening in women of average risk of developing breast cancer.
Though the USPSTF had previously called for screening women of average risk every other year from ages 50-74, the group now recommends mammography screenings every other year from ages 40-74. Existing guidelines from two other organizations suggest more frequent mammograms.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40-44 consider getting mammograms, that women age 45-54 get annual mammograms, and that women 55 and older should get mammograms every other year so long as they expect to live 10 more years.
The American College of Radiology recommends a breast cancer risk assessment for every woman at age 30, and annual mammograms every year beginning at age 40.
All three groups recommend that high risk individuals may need mammographic screenings every year, as well as additional tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Most insurance plans will pay for annual mammograms for all women beginning at age 40.
Women should discuss breast screening options with their physican and decide upon the plan that is right for them.
For more information about the USPSTF, click here.
Click here to view the new USPSTF guidelines.