NATION IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Studies May Change Mammogram Advice

Guidelines for breast cancer screening could be changed by some medical organizations once they fully analyze new studies showing mammograms may provide little benefit for women before age 50, officials said. Dr. Gerald P. Murphy, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said his group is examining the new studies, but “not all of the information has been evaluated, and there are no conclusions that can be made on this as yet.” Both the society and the National Cancer Institute recommend that women start routine mammograms every year or two after age 40.