Women should be screened for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 instead of 50, according to draft guidelines released Tuesday by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the independent national body of experts that sets standards for tests and screenings.
The previous recommendations, last updated in 2016, said women younger than 50 who are concerned could discuss screening with their doctors. Now, the task force says screening at 40 could save 19% more lives.