The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their breast cancer screening guidelines to recommend average-risk women start screening at age 40, instead of 50. While some experts support this change, others are skeptical, citing potential harms including false positives and over-diagnosis. However, starting screening earlier may address racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, particularly for Black women. Experts emphasize the importance of educating patients about personal risk factors and involving them in decision-making. Overall, opinions on the benefits of earlier screening vary, with some believing it will save more lives, particularly among Black women, and others cautioning against potential harms without clear evidence of significant survival benefits.
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Starting Mammograms at Age 40: Will Women Benefit?
