What age should you start your regular mammogram screenings for breast cancer? According to a recent study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government agency that makes recommendations for preventive health care services, age 50 is the right age, if you’re not at an increased risk for developing the disease.

There’s heavy debate among many leading medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute about this new guideline and it’s making news. They’ve recommended for years and stand behind their recommendation that routine screenings should begin at age 40.

While it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this debate, it’s more critical that you know that every medical organization and the task force are in full agreement that routine mammograms should be an important part of a woman’s preventive, health-care plan. Most importantly, the recommended age change doesn’t apply to women who are at increased risk for breast cancer due to a family history of the disease and/or other important factors.

According to the American Cancer Society, you’re at an increased risk for breast cancer if any of the following applies to you:

• You started your menstrual cycle before age 12.
   
• You don’t have any kids, or you gave birth after age 30.
   
• You carry the breast cancer gene or you have a family history of breast cancer.
   
• You’re at an advanced age.
   
• You’ve had previous radiation treatment in the chest wall (i.e., for treatment of lymphomas, etc.).

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, here are the key facts to keep in mind about their new guidelines:

• Women ages 40-49 who are at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctors about the best time to start regular, biennial (every two years) screening mammography.
   
• Women ages 50-74 should be screened every two years. There is not enough evidence to take a stance on routine screening for women over age 74, the organization said.
   
• While the benefits of having a mammogram in one's 40s may be small according to the USPSTF, mammograms may lower the rate of breast cancer death.

Hopefully, all of this debate won’t make it more difficult for you to know what action to take. So, let's be clear. It’s important that you know the risk factors and how they apply to your health, get regular check-ups and regular mammograms, sooner rather than later, particularly if you’re at increased risk. And, if you have any questions, please talk with your doctor or health care provider who will be able to better assess you and your family’s medical history and make a recommendation that best fits your personal health and wellness needs.