New Mammogram Advice (VIDEO)

Strange and confusing news for millions of American women, as governments experts are calling for new mammogram advice, and a radical shift in how we think about breast cancer.

It has long been taken for granted that women in their 40s and beyond should do regular self-checks for lumps in their breasts, to prevent breast cancer. But this new government study says that these self checks are useless, and are not necessary before the age of 50. And they say going in to the doctor for a mammography is also not necessary before 50, and should only be done every two years after a woman turns 50. The government task force says the cost and health risk associated with the testing far outweighs the benefit.

But the American Cancer Society still recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, and has no plans to change that recommendation. So what are women to do? I'm sure this will continue to be debated on days and weeks to come.

New Mammogram Advice (VIDEO)
newsday

A government task force said Monday that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50 -- a stunning reversal and a break with the American Cancer Society's long-standing position. What's more, the panel said breast self-exams do no good, and women shouldn't be taught to do them...

New Mammogram Advice (VIDEO)