U.S. Task Force Recommends Mammograms Start at 50 Instead of 40
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Preventive Services Task Force is a group of experts that makes
recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services on policies to prevent diseases, including the best
ways to use screening tests such as mammography to meet the
health needs of the United States. The task force reviewed
several studies and recommended dramatic changes to current
breast cancer screening guidelines.  Based on its analysis, the
the task force concluded:    • Screening mammograms for women at
average risk of beast cancer should start at age 50, rather than
at 40 as current guidelines recommend.   • Only women at very
high risk of breast cancer should get screening mammograms when
they're younger than 50.   • Screening mammograms should be done
every other year instead of every year, as current guidelines
recommend.   • There's not enough evidence to support teaching
and encouraging breast self-