Task force updates guidance for breast cancer screenings for women 40 and older

Women are now advised to get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40 and until age 74, according to new recommendations. The previous recommendation stated that biennial mammograms start by age 50 and the decision for women to screen in their 40s ‘should be an individual one.’ The updated recommendations apply to everyone assigned female at birth, including cisgender women, transgender men, and nonbinary people at average risk of breast cancer, as well as those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breasts. The recommendations do not apply to people with a personal history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors.