ACS Stands by Annual Mammography at 40

May 15, 2007 – The American Cancer Society recently announced that it is keeping its recommendation that women begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40, though other organizations recommend mammograms for women every one to two years from age 40 to 50 and then every year after age 50.

Recently, several health organizations have revised their guidelines for mammography, de-emphasizing the need for women in their forties to receive the exam. The American College of Physicians (ACP) says women in their forties should talk with their physicians about the benefits and risks of mammography. In addition, the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend mammograms every one to two years for women in their forties.