HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- How much is a life worth? If you're under 50 wanting a mammogram, one group says not very much. The latest recommendation from a government task force says women in their 40s should not get routine mammograms. It's information that isn't sitting well with many.

“I had both breasts removed and reconstruction at the time of surgery," Lisa Maxey said. "I just recently got implants. It's been a trying time."

But not nearly as trying as if Maxey hadn't caught her breast cancer early. The 44-year-old mother thanks a mammogram for the early detection.

“If I hadn't had mammogram, I wouldn't have known," she said. "How can someone say don't get a mammogram until your 50?”

But that's exactly what a federal government task force is saying. They've released new recommendations say women under 50 no longer need routine mammograms. The group's previous recommendation was for routine screenings every year or two for women 40 and older.

“They determined it was beneficial in women 50 and up, but not beneficial in those between 40 and 49," said Dr. Jim Morgan, co-director of the Breast Center at St. Mary's Medical Center. "So, they determined mammograms did save lives, just not enough.”

Dr. Morgan, who's a breast surgeon, says he absolutely disagrees with the latest recommendations.

“They looked at survival as the only benefit," he said. "But, they didn't consider benefits or treatment options.”

Another concern -- insurance coverage of mammograms in women under 50. Dr. Vera Rose is the vice president of oncology at St. Mary's and is fearful of that outcome.

“The task force works for Medicare, and insurance companies usually follow suit," she said. "So, if Medicare stops paying for coverage in women under 50, it could deter people.”

“Who are they to say because I’m not 50, I’m not worth paying for a mammogram? It’s not right,” Maxey said.

The new recommendations do not apply to women under 50 who have increased risks or family history. One very important thing to point out is that the task force is one of many entities to make recommendations. The American Cancer Society has not called for a change in recommendations, and most local physicians are sticking with those guidelines of 40 and over.