It's a drastic change from what women have been told for years. New recommendations from a government task force say women who aren't at risk for breast cancer don't need mammograms until they are 50, and then only every other year.

Waiting to get a mammogram isn't the only recommendation that's being made. The same panel also suggests that self-breast exams are not effective, but local doctors don't agree.

Karen Murray began getting mammograms every two years at age 38. With no family history of breast cancer, she thought that would be enough. But at age 47 she was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer. Now some health officials say the recommendations should be changed.

"I think it's just a horrible thing, sisters, family members, all have mammograms because of my story,” says Murray. “They're the kind of people that may not have and I'm very glad that they're having their mammograms every year because I think it's very necessary."

Lakeside Hospital radiologist Dr. Katie Mendlick agrees. "I would follow the current guidelines of annual mammography beginning at age 40, even regardless of family history, for all women."

Dr. Mendlick says the new recommendations could be the beginning of the government rationing health care. "The biggest issue in our government right now is how can we save money and get health care to everybody who needs health care and this could be one of the first steps."

Another concern is will insurance companies cover women who do want an annual mammogram? “Some insurance companies do use recommendations from this task force and they may not want to pay for annual screening mammography,” says Dr. Mendlick.

Dr. Charles Enke, a radiology oncologist at the Nebraska Medical Center, says patients should discuss the guidelines with their physician. "This is one opinion regarding screening mammography and it's not to be taken as the only opinion."

Murray, now a five-year cancer survivor, uses her position as an X-ray tech to reach other women and encourage preventative care. "Sometimes it's a woman thing, if you can talk easily and allay fears, that makes you feel good."

Both doctors Channel 6 News spoke with Tuesday said they do still encourage women to do monthly self-exams. They say we know our bodies better than anyone else and they both have seen plenty of women who have felt a lump, which then led to early detection of their breast cancer.