Changing recommendations for when women should get mammograms have created conflict and confusion. Not only do recommendations from different sources vary, but some have moved in opposite directions.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force scaled back its recommendation in 2009, saying women at average risk should begin screening at age 50 and repeat the test every two years. The group, the government’s independent panel of preventive-health experts, said women in their 40s should discuss the pros and cons of screening, including possible false positives and follow-up tests, with their physicians. Previously the task force had recommended mammograms every one to two years starting at age 40.
In contrast, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists increased its recommendation in 2011, saying women should be offered a mammogram every year starting at age 40. The group previously advised women to get the test every one to two years in their 40s and then annually starting at age 50.
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