Breast cancer screening starting at 40

The USPSTF (United States Preventative Services Task Force), the front leader in giving recommendations to the general population and primary care doctors, has this month published a draft recommendation lowering the age of routine screening for breast cancer using mammograms from 50 to 40 years of age. Previously, they had recommended that those with breast tissue discuss with a physician if they were 40-50. Now, they suggest that all those with breast tissue have screening starting at 40. 

There is still debate in the field as to whether to screen yearly or every other year. The USPSTF recommends every 1-2 years. ACOG, the American College of Gynecology, recommends every 1-2 years. ACR, the American College of Radiology, recommends annually. 

Dr. Neuman says: “One of my closest friends from medical school is now a radiologist specializing in mammography. He has long said that 40 should be the age and that it was only a matter of time until these guidelines were updated. As always, Dr. Neuman encourages all to interpret guidelines in the context of their goals for themselves and their medical care. Usually, we discuss risks of screening (false positives leading to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety) vs. benefits of screening (detecting something during early stages).”

Does this apply to you? Call/text/write Dr. Neuman to discuss breast cancer screening. 

Links:

USPSTF recommendations: https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/breast-cancer-screening-adults#bcei-recommendation-title-area

ACR recommendations: https://www.acr.org/Media-Center/ACR-News-Releases/2023/New-ACR-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-call-for-earlier-screening-for-high-risk-women

ACOG recommendations: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/07/breast-cancer-risk-assessment-and-screening-in-average-risk-women