American Cancer Society Says Start Mammograms At 45, Not 40

CHICAGO (WJZ) -- Big changes when it comes to women and their mammograms. For the first time in more than a decade, the American Cancer Society is updating its guidelines.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

Shari Forrest had her first mammogram at age 35 after she felt a lump in her breast. Luckily, it was a false alarm.

"I've gone every year since," she said.

The American Cancer Society is now recommending women at average risk have yearly mammograms starting at age 45, not 40. Study author Dr. Kevin Oeffinger says the benefits far outweigh the harm starting at 45.

"Between 40 and 44, breast cancer's less common. There's still the risk for a false positive so we thought that needs to be an informed, shared decision between the woman and her health care provider," he said.

Starting at 55, the American Cancer Society recommends screenings every two years. That's closer to the US Preventative Task Force, which recommends mammograms every two years, starting at age 50.

Some doctors say the guidelines are confusing and only take into account breast cancer deaths and not quality of life for survivors. The chief of breast screening at Lenon Hill Hospital recommends all women start yearly mammograms at age 40.

"We know that women who develop breast cancer in their 40s develop a very aggressive breast cancer and it spreads rapidly," said Dr. Kristin Byrne.

Forrest says she's had a few false positives in her early mammograms.

"It's scary when you're waiting to find out the results," she said.

But she says she'd rather have the screenings than cancer.

Keep in mind, these guidelines are for women of average risk. Women whose mothers, sisters or other close relatives had breast cancer or who know they have an increased risk should start sooner.

Every year, 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.