A key scientific panel has updated its recommendations on breast cancer

screenings. Ali Rogan has more on the changes that could potentially save

thousands of lives. Ali?

Amna, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending that all women start

getting biannual mammograms at age 40 until they turn 75.

The new guidelines replace ones from 2016, which recommended biennial screening

starting at age 50 and that starting the many earlier should be a matter of

individual choice. But these new guidelines are still out of step with some major

medical associations and cancer advocacy groups.

Dr. Wanda Nicholson is the chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and joins me now.

Dr. Nicholson, thank you so much.

Why did the USPSTF make these recommendations

and how many lives is it going to save?

Well, we know that breast cancer is the second most common cancer

in women and the second most common cause of cancer deaths and women. The

latest science clearly shows that by starting at age 40 and screening every other

the year to age 74 can save even more lives from breast cancer and in fact can save up to

nearly 20% more lives.

And this corresponds to about 25,000 more women whose lives are saved.

We think that's a huge win for women.

As we did mention, these guidelines are out of step with some advocacy groups in medical

organizations. I spoke earlier today with a board certified radiologist, Dr Robin Roth.

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