American Cancer Society Revises Mammogram Recommendations
(CBS) -- Everything you thought you knew about testing for breast cancer is about to change.
For the first time in 12 years the American Cancer Society updated mammogram guidelines and the changes are a bit surprising.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey has more now on what you need to know.
Shari Forest felt a lump in her breast at 35-years-old and immediately had her first mammogram.
"It's scary when you're waiting to find out the results," Forest said.
It was a false alarm, but since then she has had an annual mammogram.
New guidelines released today by the American Cancer Society say women at average risk of breast cancer don't need mammograms until age 45, five years later than previously recommended.
Dr. Carol Bruzdzinski says pushing mammograms back to age 45 makes sense.
"The number of breast cancers that we find between 40 and 44 are fewer, the burden is fewer," Dr. Bruzdzinski said. "Again we're talking about average risk individuals."
The American Cancer Society also says breast exams at doctor visits are no longer required, stating there is no evidence these exams save lives.
The new guidelines also say after age 55, women should get mammograms every other year.
Still, Dr. Bruzdzinski says anyone at higher risk of breast cancer, should be tested when they feel most comfortable.
"This is not for individuals who have a hereditary component or carry the gene for breast cancer," Dr. Bruzdzinski said. "If you have family history -- if you have other reasons, you have to have those discussions with your doctor because there could be reasons that you want to get screened earlier."
Several doctor groups still recommend mammograms starting at age 40, including those representing radiologists and gynecologists, but the American Cancer Society's breast cancer guidelines are the most widely followed.
