Women, even if they don't have family history of breast cancer, should undergo cancer screening or a mammography every year after reaching the age of 40. A new study presented here on Wednesday at the annual meeting of Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) has again backed screening at 40 for breast cancer.

The study says women in their 40s with no family history of breast cancer are as likely to develop invasive breast cancer as are women with a family history of the disease.

Earlier the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) had recommended that regular breast cancer screening of women should start at the age of 50 as opposed to 40. In India, however, experts agree with 40.

"Women in India have started to get diagnosed with breast cancer, which incidentally has also become the number 1 cancer among women living in cities. To start screening at 40 will help in early diagnosis which is vital with breast cancer. No damage is recorded from radiation if taken after 10 months,'' said radiologist Dr Harsh Mahajan from Delhi, who is attending RSNA.