U.S. agency issuing public health recommendations says women should start mammograms as early as age 40, not 50.
Previously, women between the ages of 40 and 50 were asked to decide individually whether to have mammograms. New recommendations apply to all women at average risk of developing the disease, including those with a family history of breast cancer, or with high breast density. Most private insurance must cover recommendations issued by the U.s. Preventive Services Task Force. The age of 50 is also often used in other countries, such as France.