A new study by an independent panel has led to confusion and concern regarding women's breast health but task force members are standing by their statements made early last week.

Dr. Timothy Wilt, a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, stuck by its recommendation that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at age 50. The American Cancer Society's long-standing position has been that women should get annual cancer-screening mammograms starting at age 40.

"The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age

40," Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the ACS, said in a statement.

"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. When recommendations are based on judgments about the balance of risks and benefits, reasonable experts can look at the same data and reach different conclusions."

Robert Paschen, public relations director for the Central Ohio Region of the ACS added, "Science and research are constantly evolving. But mammograms save lives and they are the best screening test we have for breast cancer. That's why the American Cancer Society is standing by its recommendations."

Judy Baker of Marietta saw her mother succumb to breast cancer in 2005 and has had to endure a double mastectomy since her first cancer diagnosis in 1996. She does not agree with the statements of the USPSTF.

"Fire the task force," she said. "I can't imagine my daughter (age 32) not having a mammogram starting at age 40."

Baker's first cancer diagnosis came at the age of 46 and was discovered through a mammogram. She points out that a different judgment might be made depending on a woman's history but the decision should be left up to the woman and her physician.

The task force also suggests in its study that breast self-exams do no good, a notion that goes against advice that women have been hearing for years.

"I just don't understand that," Baker said. "It's not like it's going to hurt you to check."

The study states that there is no evidence to suggest that self-exams reduce breast cancer death rates, and it discourages teaching women how to examine themselves.

United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday that women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40.

She said the task force does "not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government."

She advised women to "keep doing what you've been doing for years - talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you."

The Associated Press contributed.