Oklahoma breast cancer experts question panel’s advice

→Mammograms every other year for women age 50 to 74.

→No breast self-examination.

"So what does this mean if you are a woman in your 40s? You should talk to your doctor and make an informed decision about whether a mammography is right for you based on your family history, general health, and personal values,” said Dr. Diana Petitti, vice-chairman of the task force.

What the American Cancer Society

recommends:

→Annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

→Optional breast self-examination beginning at age 20.

"The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider,” said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.