Women with an average risk for breast cancer are generally recommended to start getting mammograms at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and several major medical organizations advise mammogram screening every 1 to 2 years starting at 40 to detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. For women at high risk of breast cancer (due to family history, genetic factors like BRCA mutations, or previous chest radiation), mammogram screenings may start earlier, sometimes as early as age 25 or 30, often combined with additional imaging such as breast MRI. Decisions about the exact timing and frequency of screening should be personalized in consultation with a healthcare provider. There is consensus on the benefit of starting regular mammograms at age 40 for most women, balancing early detection benefits against the risks of false positives and unnecessary interventions. Some guidelines also highlight the importance of continuing mammograms beyond age 74 depending on overall health and life expectancy. In summary:
- Average risk women: begin mammograms at age 40, every 1-2 years
- High risk women: start earlier, often in mid-20s to 30s, with personalized screening plans
These recommendations support early detection and better outcomes for breast cancer.