Some Breast Cancer Survivors Skeptical About Revised Mammogram Guidelines

(CBS) -- Those new guidelines aren't sitting well with some breast cancer survivors.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey has reaction from a local breast cancer group.

The American Cancer Society now says women don't need a mammogram until age 45.

"The number of breast cancer between 40 and 44 are fewer, the burden is fewer," said Dr. Carol Bruzdzinski. "Again we're talking about average risk individuals."

But that new guideline is getting mixed reviews.

"When breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate can be greater than 98-percent, which is incredible," said Carli Feinstein of the Chicago-based group Bright Pink.

Feinstein says the new ACS guidelines are confusing and are a disservice to women. They're recommendation?

"Women should have mammograms annually starting at 40 for women at average risk and for women that aren't at average risk, or that that might have a family history, that those conversations with their doctors need to start even earlier," she said.

Feinstein says they heard from hundreds of breast cancer survivors who say 45 is too late.

"Lara who said, "I was diagnosed at 43 from a routine mammogram. I had no family history.' We heard from Julie, who said 'my breast cancer was caught by a manual exam in the doctor's office last summer.'"

The United States Preventative Services Task Force is expected to release new recommendations in the next few weeks saying mammograms aren't needed until age 50.

These new guidelines could affect what's covered by insurance and when. Many organizations don't agree on the best age for your first mammogram. It's best to figure out your own personal risk.

For more information on Bright Pink, visit www.brightpink.org.