On November 16, the U. S. Preventative Services Task Force issued a controversial recommendation that women should start getting mammograms post 50, and not the earlier believed age of 40. Also, the authorities stressed that the frequency of breast cancer tests should also be reduced considerably.

While this has left women all over the country confused, doctors are refusing to change this years old stance and are still aggressively pushing the traditional regulations. The task-force has also said that women do not need to indulge in those recommended monthly self examinations, another thing that has led to doctors taking up arms against the announcement.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is now calling for the Government to clarify the new regulations as these are confusing both doctors and the general population.

"Many doctors and experts objected to these recommendations, sending conflicting messages to women about how they can prevent breast cancer. I understand there are many independent scientists involved in making this decision, but there are also many respected medical experts who are disagreeing with the recommendations. I want to seek answers so that women are getting a uniform message about how to protect themselves", said Senator Gillibrand.

While some critics are quick to assert that the reduction in rate of breast examination tests is just the Government's way of ensuring that there are enough funds to carry out the multi-billion dollar revamp of the current healthcare bill, some doctors have said that if confused, women should follow their instincts.