Despite the fact the mammogram panel has tried to clear its stance on the new breast cancer screening guidelines, the debate and fierce arguments have continued, with both patients and doctors refusing to follow the new recommendations. The new guidelines state that women in their 40s, who are healthy, can put off regular mammograms until 50, and once a year is just about enough.

The recommendations have attracted huge criticism and everyone is confused. Fears that Medicare and private health insurers would now use the new recommendations to drastically reduce covers for breast cancer screening are making rounds, and women are urging the Government to look into it.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski's proposed amendment to the healthcare revamp legislation, under which insurers would be required to cover preventive services for women, including mammograms, passed on Thursday via voting, and would involve estimated cost of $940 Million over the coming decade. But this has not managed to put concerns at rest.

In a country where breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting women, and one causing a substantial amount of deaths every year, it is a dangerous thing to be confused about something as sensitive as screening routines. Experts are now advising women that, unless something concrete is put down with regards to recommendations on mammograms, they should try putting together their own routine.