• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
    • Wellness on the Yard
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Breast Cancer / Experts Recommend All Women Get Mammograms Starting at Age 40

Experts Recommend All Women Get Mammograms Starting at Age 40

mammogram

In a major change from its longstanding advice, an influential medical panel now recommends that women start mammography screening for breast cancer at age 40, which may especially benefit Black women.

In the United States, breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Last year, an estimated 43,250 women died of breast cancer.

The new guidance, from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, says women at average risk of breast cancer should start having mammograms, every other year, when they turn 40. For years, the recommendation had been to start at age 50 — though women in their 40s were advised to talk with their doctor and choose what was best for them.

The change, published as a draft recommendation on May 9, brings the task force guidance more in line with what other medical groups advise.

You May Also Like
View Our Resources To Better Understand How Clinical Trials May Help Advance Research

RELATED: Should Black Women Be Screened Earlier For Breast Cancer?

Those groups — including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — have long recommended that all average-risk women start mammography screening in their 40s.

Given that, many U.S. women are already getting screened, or at least thinking about it, once they turn 40, says Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the cancer society.

But he also saw the new recommendation as good news.

“I hope this eliminates any confusion among the primary care doctors who advise women on screening,” Dahut adds.

You May Also Like
13 Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist

RELATED: Breast Pain Doesn’t Always Mean Cancer: When to Get a Mammogram

Why the change?

The USPSTF is an independent panel of medical experts, funded by the government, that analyzes the research evidence on various preventive medical services — like cancer screenings — and makes recommendations on who should have them, and how often.

It also periodically updates those recommendations to consider the latest research. The panel last updated its breast cancer screening recommendations in 2016.

Dr. John Wong, a task force member, explains what drove the change in starting age. For one, he says, breast cancer rates are

Continue Reading

The Latest In Breast Cancer

transgender women

Are Trans-Women At Risk for Breast Cancer?

Transgender women's breast cancer risk remains unknown. However, a 2019 Dutch research supplied some useful facts. What Is The Breast Cancer Risk In Transgender Women? Between 1972 and 2016, the VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam gender clinic treated transgender people read more about Are Trans-Women At Risk for Breast Cancer?
mammogram

12 Things Black Women Need to Know About the New Mammogram Guidelines

In the United States, Black women have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women, even though they are not more likely to develop the disease. That disparity also accounts for younger women, who are now read more about 12 Things Black Women Need to Know About the New Mammogram Guidelines
too much testing

Is There A Such Thing As Too Much Testing?

Studies indicated that centers gave older people inaccurate or uneven information, leading to unneeded testing and health issues. Lung cancer screening is only suggested for high-risk patients, yet half of cancer center webpages didn't highlight possible hazards. Say a postcard read more about Is There A Such Thing As Too Much Testing?
breast cancer screening

Should Black Women Be Screened Earlier For Breast Cancer?

Experts recommend that women at least consider starting breast cancer screening once they turn 40. Now a new study suggests that is especially critical for Black women. Looking at data on U.S. breast cancer deaths, researchers found -- as other read more about Should Black Women Be Screened Earlier For Breast Cancer?
rebuilding intimacy

6 Tips For Rebuilding Intimacy After Breast Cancer

Cancer may influence how you feel about your body and what you like. You may repair intimacy through self-reflection, physical intervention, communication, and patience. After a breast cancer diagnosis, sex is probably the last thing on your mind. Instead, you read more about 6 Tips For Rebuilding Intimacy After Breast Cancer
When to Get a Mammogram

Breast Pain Doesn’t Always Mean Cancer: When to Get a Mammogram

While anyone can experience breast pain, don't panic: It's rarely cancer. Penn State Health offers some reassurance about what might cause the pain and when it might be time to have a mammogram. RELATED: 5 Mammogram Myths Every Woman Should Know read more about Breast Pain Doesn’t Always Mean Cancer: When to Get a Mammogram

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Lionel Richie Shares His Top 3 ‘Anti-Aging Secrets’Lionel Richie Shares His Top 3 ‘Anti-Aging Secrets’
  • YouTuber and Relationship ‘Expert’ Kevin Samuels Cause of Death RevealedYouTuber and Relationship 'Expert' Kevin Samuels Cause of Death Revealed
  • Angela Bassett 7-Year Journey to Parenthood: Enjoy the JourneyAngela Bassett 7-Year Journey to Parenthood: Enjoy the Journey
  • ‘COVID Toes’ Might Be a Sign You Had the Disease'COVID Toes' Might Be a Sign You Had the Disease
  • Football Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes AmputatedFootball Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes Amputated

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.