Memphis surgeon weighs in on getting mammograms sooner [Video]

Healthcare experts published a recommendation for women to start getting mammograms younger, citing a steady increase in breast cancer cases in 40 year-olds.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Due to alarming statistics, many doctors are now pushing to have women screened for breast cancer earlier than typically when was thought to be necessary.

In the past, doctors recommend the average at-risk woman starts getting screened for breast cancer every other year — starting at age 50. Yet, in April 2024, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force lowered the recommended age to 40.

Tennessee has one of the highest mortality rates for breast cancer in the U.S. according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Ryland Gore is a breast surgical oncologist at Methodist Healthcare Cancer Institute in Memphis. She said breast cancer diagnoses disproportionately affect Black women.

“For certain groups, for example, African American women, we are more likely to be diagnosed,” said Dr. Gore.

Now, health officials are shedding light on …