NEW YORK -- An independent and influential task force that advised the federal government to recommended that women under 50 not get routine mammography to screen for breast cancer.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Monday that the unexpected about-face by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is certain to cause anxiety and confusion about the predominant screening that millions of women get each year.

The USPSTF also recommended that women ages 50-74 forgo annual mammograms in favor of screenings every other year.

"When screening beginning at 40-49, the benefits are smaller and the harms, that is the false positive rates , are higher than when screening at older ages," said Dr. Diana Pettiti of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.

"This is very explosive. This is going to stir the water," said NewsCenter 5 medical editor Dr. Timothy Johnson.

The USPSTF cites the harm that mammography can cause, such as false positives, which can lead to unnecessary treatments including radiation and surgery.

The American Cancer Society, which recommends women begin annual breast cancer screenings at age 40, said it will not change that guideline.

ACS medical director Dr. Otis Brawley said in a statement, "...the USPSTF is essentially telling women that mammography at age 40 to 49 saves lives; just not enough of them."

Lisa Soulier, a mother and teacher in Lexington, was also stunned by the new recommendation. She was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer three years ago at the age of 40 when she went in for her very first screening.

"It was a complete surprise," said Soulier.

"Did your doctor tell you unequivocally that having a mammogram at age 40 saved your life?" Uhruh asked.

"Absolutely," Soulier said.

Dr. Daniel Kopans is a leading breast oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He said he was outraged and puzzled by the USPSTF's change.

"There is clear proof that mammography screening saves lives and, in fact, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force acknowledges that, but then incongruously, they say, 'But we don't think women in their 40s should participate in that benefit,'" he said.

Cynics may wonder if insurance companies influenced the guideline reversal, however, "Insurance companies had no hand in this," said Johnson. "This truly is an independent group. You've got good arguments on both sides of this question. There is no easy black or white answer. If there were there'd be no debate."

The USPSTF was started in 1984 as an independent review panel to advise the federal government. It's funded with federal dollars but is composed of private medical professionals.

Johnson said it is influential, and often leads to changes in what procedures Medicare as well as private insurance companies will pay for. However it's unclear if this new recommendation will lead to immediate changes, as most states have laws that mandate insurance companies pay for routine mammography screenings.