kopans was a leading figure in the debate over the advisability of screening mammography beginning in the 1980s. during the early 1990s, following a decision by the national cancer institute to drop support for screening women in their 40s, and subsequently following series of articles in "the new york times" by gina kolata which questioned the value of screening mammography for those in the 40-50 age group, dr. kopans was a leading figure during a prolonged battle, arguing in favor of the benefits of mammography. by 1997, the national cancer institute had reversed course and once again supported screening for women in their 40s. however, 2009 united states preventive services task force guidelines no longer recommend routine screening in women 40 to 49.