The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued new guidelines urging women at average breast cancer risk to undergo mammograms every other year starting at age 40. This significant shift from previous recommendations aims to reduce breast cancer mortality and address racial disparities.
The independent panel of experts thoroughly reviewed new evidence, leading to the updated recommendation. Dr. Carol Mangione, the task force’s chair from the University of California, Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of early screening for Black women, who face a 40% higher risk of dying from breast cancer compared to other groups.
“Starting at 40 actually creates the most benefit for Black women in our country,” Mangione stated, acknowledging the need to address this disparity.
The American Cancer Society previously suggested mammograms for women aged 40-44 based on individual risk assessment, while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists aligned with the new task force guidelines for average-risk women.
The task force also called for further research into additional screening methods like ultrasound or MRI for women with dense breasts, as mammograms may be less effective in detecting tumors.
By recommending routine mammograms at an earlier age, the guidelines aim to improve early detection and reduce the disproportionate impact of breast cancer on Black women in the United States.
See “Mammograms should start at age 40, new guidelines recommend” (April 30, 2024)
