WASHINGTON (AP) – Mammograms do the most good later in life, a government task force declared Monday in recommending that women get one every other year starting at age 50. It said 40-somethings should make their own choice after weighing the pros and cons.
When to start routine mammograms and how frequently to get them has long been controversial. The latest guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stick with its advice that women should one every two years between ages 50 and 74. But they also make clear that it’s an option for younger women even though they’re less likely to benefit.
Some health groups urge mammograms every year starting at 40 – although last year the American Cancer Society upped its starting age to 45.
There is some common ground emerging, that mammography advice shouldn’t always be one-size-fits all. “Age 50 isn’t magic,” said task force past chairman Dr. Michael LeFevre of the University of Missouri.
Here are some things to know about mammograms.