The former director of the National Institutes of Health is advising women to ignore new guidelines that delay the start of routine mammogram testing for breast cancer.

Dr. Bernadine Healy says the directive would save money but not
lives.

The recommendation, released last week by an independent panel,
recommends that women not routinely undergo mammograms until age
50. Longtime guidelines have said women should have regular
mammogram screening after age 40.

Healy says that if the new guidelines are followed, more women
will die of breast cancer.

The independent panel, the Preventive Services Task Force, says
its recommendations are based on accurate and up-to-date
information.