She added that it is also likely that many other thousands would endure more extensive and expensive treatments than if their cancers were found early by a mammogram.

The main argument for the older screening age centers around overdiagnosis or false-positives, according to Monticciolo. This results in women being called back for further images (and exposure to radiation) and unnecessary biopsies. Unnecessary testing also adds to health care costs.

"Overdiagnosis claims are vastly inflated due to key methodological flaws in many studies," said Monticciolo. "Few, if any, invasive cancers are over-diagnosed. It is also important to note that screening later or at longer intervals (every two years instead of once a year) will have no effect on the small amount of overdiagnosis that exists."

The USPSTF has been criticized in the past for not having any radiologists, surgeons or pathologists on a task force that developed its new breast screening guidelines. Also, as previously reported, there is concern that the disagreements among the groups could have a negative impact on essential preventative screenings associated with any congressional reform of the Affordable Care Act.

"The fact is that the most lives are saved by annual screening starting at the age of 40. It is important that doctors understand this and relay it to their patients," said Monticciolo.

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