When should you get a mammogram? Conflicting advice makes it hard to know
Summary
Different health groups give varying advice on when women should start getting regular mammograms and how often they should have them. The newest guideline recommends women aged 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years, while women aged 40 to 49 should talk with their doctor about whether to start screening.Key Facts
- Some groups say women should begin mammograms at age 40 or 45, while others say start at 50.
- The American College of Physicians suggests women 50 to 74 get mammograms every other year.
- Women aged 40 to 49 should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor before starting screening.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends starting mammograms at age 40 every two years.
- The American Cancer Society advises yearly mammograms for women 45 to 54 and switching to every other year at age 55, but women can begin at 40 if they choose.
- Mammograms have limitations, such as sometimes missing cancer or causing stress from follow-up tests.
- Breast cancer risk varies among women, making a one-size-fits-all screening approach difficult.
- Women 75 and older are advised to consult doctors about stopping routine mammograms, with some guidelines saying healthy women can continue screening.
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