ROCKVILLE, MD – April 30, 2024 – The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently recommended lowering the age for breast cancer screening mammography from age 50 to 40, and continuing it every other year until age 74. The previous recommendation suggested that women make a decision with their health care provider whether to have breast cancer screening in their 40’s, based on their health history and breast cancer risk. Starting breast cancer screening earlier can reduce the risk of dying from the disease if the cancer is found promptly before it grows and spreads to other parts of the body. Concern over the rising rates of breast cancer in younger women have spurred recommending earlier screening.
The USPSTF is a national panel of experts that works to improve the health of Americans by making recommendations to prevent illness and prolong life based on peer-reviewed evidence.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for US women. However, there has been a lower mortality rate over the past 20 years. Most of the cases occur in women ages 55 to 74. The highest incidence is between 70 to 74.
Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women. However, White women have a higher incidence of breast cancer. Screening for breast cancer at an earlier age may find the cancer earlier in the disease process and reduce this disparity.
Not only is breast cancer screening important to reduce deaths, but so is appropriate follow-up and treatment.
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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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