AMA shifts stance on mammograms

The American Medical Association last month moved to amend its policy on mammograms, recommending that women begin receiving annual screenings at age 40, rather than 50. The decision brings the AMA into agreement with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons, both of which revised their recommendations in 1997. The AMA’s new stance contradicts that of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, which continues to recommend mammograms every one to two years for women between the ages of 40 and 49.