New USPSTF Recommendations Call for Biennial Mammograms Starting at Age 40
The US Preventive Services Task Force has issued new recommendations for breast cancer screenings, advising women to start getting mammograms every other year starting at age 40 until age 74. This marks a change from previous guidelines, which recommended starting mammograms at age 50.
The updated recommendations apply to all individuals at average risk of breast cancer, including cisgender women, transgender men, and nonbinary people, as well as those with a family history or dense breasts. However, they do not apply to those at high risk due to genetic factors or treatment history.
The USPSTF’s decision to recommend biennial screenings was based on evidence showing that annual screening did not lead to an increase in later-stage diagnoses of breast cancer. The benefits of screening every other year were deemed to outweigh the harms of false positive results for most individuals.
Critics have pointed out that the recommendations do not include separate guidelines for those with family history or dense breasts. Inequities in breast cancer diagnosis and outcomes for Black women have also been highlighted, with calls for more research into underlying causes and screening strategies.
The updated recommendations align more closely with those of the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They emphasize the importance of addressing health inequities and ensuring access to high-quality care for all women at average risk of breast cancer.
It is important to note that the USPSTF reviews and updates its recommendations every five years based on new evidence. This latest update reflects the latest research and aims to provide the most effective and beneficial guidance for breast cancer screenings.
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