The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last week issued a final recommendation that women should begin getting screened for breast cancer starting at age 40, with screening every other year thereafter until age 74.

In 2016, the USPSTF recommended that women begin receiving biennial mammograms between ages 50 and 74, with women in their 40s getting screened as an individual decision based on their health history and preferences. “More women in their 40s have been getting breast cancer, with rates increasing about 2% each year, so this recommendation will make a big difference for people across the country,” said USPSTF Chair Wanda Nicholson, MD, MPH, MBA, in a press release.

The press release also noted that Black women may benefit the most from implementation of these recommendations, as this demographic suffers disproportionate death from breast cancer in the US.

Oncologic, breast, and other affected surgeons should be aware of the final recommendations and seek to incorporate them into their practice. 

The ACS has been heavily involved with efforts to increase breast cancer screening, especially after cancer screening diminished in the wake of COVID-19. The College also has noted the ongoing disparities related to breast cancer diagnoses and mortality.