What to Know About the USPSTF New Draft Guidance For Mammograms

June 6, 20233D Mammography Basics

On May 9th, 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued updated draft guidance for screening mammograms in women at average risk of breast cancer. This new guidance represents a positive step as it aligns more closely with recommendations from leading health organizations. The USPSTF comprises dedicated experts and clinicians who review the latest evidence-based medicine to provide public health guidance. The draft guidance is currently open for public and expert review until June 6, with input from breast health experts and advocates expected to help shape the final recommendation. Here's an overview of the key points you should know.

Overview of the New USPSTF Draft Guidance

The newly released draft guidance from the USPSTF recommends that women with an average risk of developing breast cancer should start receiving screening mammograms at age 40 and continue every other year until the age of 74. However, the draft acknowledges that there isn't enough clinical evidence to make specific recommendations for women aged 75 or older, as well as for supplemental breast cancer screening in women at higher risk. The guidance also emphasizes the need for further research into breast health disparities among minority women, the benefits of breast cancer screenings for women aged 75 and older, and the advantages of supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue.

Changes in the USPSTF Mammogram Guidance

The previous USPSTF guidance on screening mammograms was issued in 2016. At that time, the recommendation stated that women at average risk should undergo screening mammograms every other year starting at age 50. The new draft guidance reflects an important change by lowering the starting age to 40, aligning it more closely with the increasing body of clinical evidence supporting the benefits of earlier screening.

Alignment With Other Recommendations

The updated USPSTF draft guidance brings them closer to the guidelines set forth by other reputable organizations that recommend screening mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer. These organizations include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). While the USPSTF draft suggests screening every other year, these organizations recommend annual screenings, resulting in a 40% reduction in breast cancer deaths compared to less frequent screenings, according to clinical evidence.

Recommendations From Experts at South Jersey Radiology

South Jersey Radiology, following the recommendations of the NCCN and other breast health expert guidelines, continues to recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 as the standard of care for women at average risk of breast cancer. Their stance is supported by several reasons:

Approximately 1 in 6 breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 40 to 49.
3D screening mammograms can detect cancer up to three years before a lump can be felt.
A baseline mammogram at age 40 identifies natural changes in breast tissue over time.
Mammography is the only method to measure breast density, a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
Breast cancer detected at stage 0 or stage 1 has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate.
Early detection often leads to less aggressive treatment.

South Jersey Radiology’s imaging experts actively participate in the USPSTF draft guidance comment process. They support the USPSTF's recommendation to lower the screening age to 40 as it improves access to screening and facilitates earlier detection of breast cancer. However, they encourage the USPSTF to carefully consider the growing body of clinical research and patient experiences demonstrating the life-saving benefits of annual mammograms.

Stay On Track With Screening

For over 80 years, South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA) has provided advanced screening and diagnostic breast imaging studies for the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. SJRA is proud to be one of the region’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence providers. All our women’s centers offer an integrated, compassionate approach toward breast health throughout your journey without needing a different provider. With evening and weekend hours available, our team of breast imaging experts makes it easier than ever to schedule your annual screening with no referral necessary. Schedule your appointment today at any of the following locations:

Meet our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret our studies at SJRA here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the new draft guidance from the USPSTF recommend for screening mammograms?

The new draft guidance suggests that women with an average risk of breast cancer should start receiving screening mammograms at age 40 and continue every other year until the age of 74. However, specific recommendations for women aged 75 or older and for supplemental screening in higher-risk women are still lacking due to insufficient clinical evidence.

How does the new draft guidance differ from the previous USPSTF recommendation?

The previous recommendation from 2016 advised women at average risk to undergo screening mammograms every other year starting at age 50. The new draft guidance lowers the starting age to 40, aligning it more closely with the recommendations of other reputable organizations and the increasing body of clinical evidence supporting the benefits of earlier screening.

Which organizations support the updated USPSTF draft guidance?

The updated USPSTF draft guidance brings them closer to the guidelines set forth by reputable organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). However, these organizations recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk, based on a large body of clinical evidence showing a reduction in breast cancer deaths with annual screenings in comparison to every other year.

What is South Jersey Radiology's recommendation based on these updates?

South Jersey Radiology follows the recommendations of the NCCN and other breast health expert guidelines, recommending annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 as the standard of care for women at average risk of breast cancer. We emphasize the benefits of early detection, including identifying subtle changes in breast tissue, measuring breast density, and detecting cancer before a lump can be felt. Early detection often leads to less aggressive treatment and higher survival rates.

Where can I schedule a annual screening mammogram?

South Jersey Radiology offers advanced screening and diagnostic breast imaging studies including annual screening mammograms. You can schedule an appointment at any of our following locations: