Mammograms should start at age 40, new guidelines recommend

The new guidelines were prompted by increased rates of breast cancer in women in their 40s. They recommend mammograms every other year, starting at age 40. (izusek/Getty Images)

Breast cancer is very treatable when caught early, and mammograms, which are X-ray images of breasts, are a reliable screening test to detect it. Now, final guidelines released Tuesday from the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce urge all women to get screened every other year, starting at age 40.

The new recommendation applies to all people assigned female at birth who are at average risk of breast cancer.