Screening mammograms
Fewer breast cancer deaths; guidelines differ on when to start.
What studies found
The U.S. Task Force (April 2024) advises a mammogram every two years from 40 to 74. The American Cancer Society (revised July 2026) gives the option of yearly mammograms from 40 to 44, advises yearly mammograms from 45 to 54, then every year or every other year from 55. The American College of Physicians (April 2026) advises every two years from 50 to 74. In Task Force modeling, starting at 40 rather than 50 averted about 1.3 more breast cancer deaths per 1,000 women, and 1.8 per 1,000 for Black women, who are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than White women.
The catch
Screening every two years from 40 to 74 means about 1,376 false-positive results and about 14 overdiagnosed cancers per 1,000 women over a lifetime, in Task Force modeling. For women 75 and older, the Task Force found the evidence insufficient.
What to do
Decide with your doctor when to start and how often, based on your risk and which trade-offs matter to you.
Sources
Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
Related
- Recommended cancer screeningsRung 5 · EstablishedWith your doctorRung 5 · EstablishedEarly detectionWith your doctor
- Yearly breast MRI plus mammogram for women at high riskRung 3 · ModerateWith your doctorRung 3 · ModerateEarly detectionWith your doctor
- Extra MRI or ultrasound for dense breastsRung 2 · LimitedWith your doctorRung 2 · LimitedEarly detectionWith your doctor
- Colorectal cancer screening from 45Rung 5 · EstablishedWith your doctorRung 5 · EstablishedEarly detectionWith your doctor
- Yearly low-dose CT for people with a heavy smoking historyRung 5 · EstablishedWith your doctorRung 5 · EstablishedEarly detectionWith your doctor