As leaders in women’s health, we know the importance of routine screenings and preventive care, and we’re pleased the United States Preventive Services Task Force has finalized its recommendation that average-risk women begin breast cancer screening at age 40. We hope this decision will raise awareness about early detection and highlight the critical role that mammograms play in women’s health.

While this is important progress, we strongly encourage the Task Force to further strengthen guidelines by recommending that women get screened annually. Annual screening with 3D mammography is the most effective way to identify cancer early and prevent cancer deaths. In fact, a recent study demonstrated that annual screening of women ages 40-79 reduced mortality significantly more than biennial screenings.

Medical experts and leading organizations in the breast cancer community consistently recommend annual screening because when breast cancer is caught early, it is highly treatable and the five-year survival rate is 99%.

Fortunately, most insurance companies in the United States are already required to cover annual breast cancer screening for all women beginning at age 40. We encourage women to prioritize their health, speak to their doctors about their personal risk factors and get an annual 3D mammogram. Early detection and treatment save lives.

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