2023
"Start mammograms at 40, not 50, U.S. health panel recommends"
![doctor examining xray](https://ph.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/2023-05/6ADA2B7E-4B30-401B-8E87-62AE512A3F04.png?itok=uYW7m4Dv)
Women should start getting every-other-year mammograms at age 40 instead of waiting until 50, according to a draft recommendation from a federal task force.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has long said women can choose to start breast cancer screening as young as 40, with a stronger recommendation that they get the X-ray exams every two years from age 50 through 74.
Tuesday’s update -– if the draft proposal is finalized -– would mark a shift in the influential panel’s guidelines although it’s not likely to end confusion. Other health groups differ over when and how often to screen.