The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Screening for Breast Cancer Starting at Age 40, 10 Years Earlier Than Previously Advised.

Experts Agree Recommendations Don’t Go Far Enough. The USPSTF released new draft guidelines on Tuesday, May 9th. The task force says research indicates screenings beginning at age 40 could save 19% more lives.

However, many experts say the recommendations don’t go far enough. Organizations like the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend women begin annual screenings at age 40 and that all women should have a risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they should begin screening earlier.

“We’ve long recommended annual screenings for breast cancer,” said Dr. Paige Flett, a breast imaging specialist at Inland Imaging. “It’s important for every woman, but especially for Black women, who are more likely to be diagnosed at an early age or with more aggressive cancers and are 40% more likely than white women to die of breast cancer.”

“Some women may benefit from additional breast cancer screening tests,” says Inland Imaging’s Dr. Amy Henkel. “Women at higher-than-average risk and those with dense breast tissue can consider supplemental screening by ultrasound or MRI in addition to annual screening mammography."

“Annual screening is important. The potential danger of missed cancers outweighs any inconveniences,” said Dr. John Bell, a breast imaging specialist at Inland Imaging. “Women diagnosed under age 50 are more likely to have aggressive cancers, and many who skipped mammograms during the pandemic and unfortunately are now seeing more serious diagnoses as a result. Annual screening means we can catch cancers sooner and save more lives.”