Start mammograms at 40, not 50, a US health panel recommends

WASHINGTON (AP) - Women should start getting every-other-year mammograms at age 40 instead of waiting until 50, according to a draft recommendation from a federal task force

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has long said women can choose to start breast cancer screening as young as 40, with a stronger recommendation that they get the X-ray exams every two years from age 50 through 74.

Tuesday's update -- if the draft proposal is finalized would mark a shift in the influential panel's guidelines although it's not likely to end confusion.

Other health groups differ over when and how often to screen.

"This new recommendation will help save lives and prevent more women from dying due to breast cancer," said former task force chair Dr. Carol Mangione.