New Guidelines Lower Age for Regular Mammograms to 40, Aiming to Address Racial Disparities and Save Lives

The US Preventive Services Task Force issued draft guidelines recommending women get mammograms every other year starting at age 40 instead of 50.
The change is expected to reduce deaths from breast cancer by 19% and address disparities in outcomes for Black women, who face higher risks of aggressive cancers at younger ages.
Breast cancer rates have been rising in women under 50, and deaths remain higher among Black women, who are 40% more likely to die from the disease.
The guidelines call for more research on screening for women with dense breast tissue and on differences in outcomes for Black women to address ongoing disparities.
Insurance companies are required to cover mammograms for women over 40, but the new guidelines only apply to those at average risk; others should discuss screening frequency with their doctors.