American Cancer Society Updates Mammography Guidelines for Average-Risk Women

Based on input from clinicians, public health specialists, laypeople, and a commissioned review, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has issued its first guideline update since 2003 regarding screening mammography for average-risk women (no personal history of breast cancer, known mutation associated with excess risk, or history of chest wall radiation at a young age). Recommendations are delineated as strong (consensus that the benefits of adhering to the recommendation outweigh undesirable effects) or qualified (clear evidence of benefits but less certainty about benefit–harm balance or women's preferences that could influence their decisions). The new guidelines are as follows:

• Age 40–44: Optional annual screening mammography (qualified)

• Age…