Mammogram guidance changing amid younger and younger breast cancer diagnoses [Video]

DENVER (KDVR) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced new mammogram recommendations on Tuesday.

The panel now recommends women should get mammograms every other year from age 40 to 74. Previously the panel made that recommendation for women starting at age 50.

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The panel’s recommendations are important because they can help guide doctors and insurance plans.

Dr. Kayla Griffith at Rose Medical Center in Denver said changing the age to 40 is more in line with the recommendations from other major groups. The breast surgical oncologist said she has long recommended mammograms for women starting at age 40, but she recommends them every year.

“We are seeing younger and younger and younger diagnoses of breast cancers, and we are seeing much more progressed diagnoses when people wait two years. So, I highly recommend getting in at age 40 every year. Insurance should cover it,” Griffith said.

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The …