NPR

If you're 40, it's time to start mammograms, according to new guidelines

The influential U.S. Preventive Task Force issue a draft of its new breast cancer screening guidelines. They're now recommending women start younger, amid a rise in breast cancer rates.
New recommendations from the USPSTF advise that women get biannual mammograms starting at age 40 to detect breast cancers.

Breast cancer is very treatable when caught early, and mammograms, which are X-ray images of breasts, are a reliable screening test to detect it. Now, new draft recommendations released Tuesday from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force urges all women to get screened every other year, starting at age 40.

The recommendation is based on a review of new evidence by an independent panel of experts at the task force. Until now, women in their 40s

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR5 min read
The NFL Responds After A Player Urges Female College Graduates To Become Homemakers
Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs urged female graduates to embrace the title of "homemaker" in a controversial commencement speech. The NFL says he was speaking "in his personal capacity."
NPR4 min read
From College Exposés To Family Secrets, Check Out These New Podcasts
There's a lot to celebrate in May — graduation, Mother's Day, Memorial Day. Add finding your new favorite podcast to the list with the NPR One team's recommendations from across public media.
NPR11 min read
We Asked, You Answered: What's The Secret To A Close Relationship With Siblings?
As part of our series on "the Science of Siblings," we looked at how some brothers and sisters are best friends. Here are some of the stories you shared of close ties with siblings.

Related Books & Audiobooks