A panel of health experts has issued new recommendations urging women to begin getting screened for breast cancer at the age of 40, ten years earlier than previously advised.
This departure from previous guidelines aligns them with other medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology.
While some experts recommend annual mammograms starting at the age of 40, the new guidelines suggest screening every two years until the age of 74.
However, there are concerns that this less frequent screening may increase the risk of missing aggressive cancers.
The change in recommendations does not affect insurance coverage for mammograms, as the CDC mandates insurance companies to cover these screenings.
With this new guidance, women are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best screening approach for their individual risk factors.
