New guidelines from the American Society of Breast Surgeons support yearly screening mammography for women at average risk of breast cancer beginning at age 40.

“Start with risk assessment,” said Dr Pat Whitworth, of the Nashville Breast Center, in Tennessee and co-chair of the panel that developed the new position statement.

“Too many women with above-average risk are managed as if they have average risk by default, with great potential to miss the chance to detect cancer early or prevent it altogether.”

Dr Whitworth and colleagues made recommendations on screening for women at both average and higher risk, as well as provided advice on surveillance-imaging recommendations for women with a prior history.