Radiologists Continue to Recommend Routine Screening Mammography Beginning at Age 40

Recommendation contrasts with recent guidelines from the USPSTF.

In November 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued guidelines advising that average-risk women begin screening mammograms at age 50 and that imaging be performed biennially rather than annually (JW Womens Health Nov 16 2009). These recommendations ignited a firestorm of media attention and controversy. Now, the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) have published new guidelines, the highlights of which are:

Average-risk women should initiate screening mammography at age 40.
Screening should be performed annually until life expectancy is ≥5 to 7 years.

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Radiologists Continue to Recommend Routine Screening Mammography Beginning at Age 40

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Reviewing Author