Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and Recommendations
National guidelines now recommend that people at average risk begin routine breast cancer screening at age 40. A screening mammogram can find cancer early—when treatment is most effective.
What Changed?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated its guidance. For those at average risk, age 40 is now the recommended age to begin screening (previously, many began in their 50s). Screening plans should always reflect your personal and family history.
Why Guidelines Matter
Breast cancer affects about 240,000 women in the U.S. each year and causes roughly 42,000 deaths. National recommendations are built from decades of data and are designed to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of unnecessary testing. These recommendations inform insurance coverage and help providers and patients make prevention plans together.
See Screening Services
Current Screening Recommendations
USPSTF (Average Risk)
- Start at 40
- Every 2 years (biennial screening) for most people at average risk
American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Ages 40–44: Choice to begin annual screening
- Ages 45–54: Annual mammograms
- Age 55+: Continue yearly or switch to every two years, based on preferences and risk
Bottom line: Screening frequency can vary. Talk with your clinician about the schedule that fits your health history and preferences.
Who May Need Earlier or Additional Screening?
People at higher-than-average risk may need to start before age 40 and may benefit from additional imaging (for example, breast MRI). High-risk factors include:
- Specific genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Prior breast cancer diagnosis
- Other clinical risk factors identified by your provider
Addressing Disparities in Screening
Breast cancer outcomes are not the same for everyone. While incidence can be similar across some groups, mortality is higher among Black women, particularly at younger ages. Some research suggests beginning screening earlier than age 40 for Black women. Personalized screening plans are important.
Ashkenazi Jewish Heritage
People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher prevalence of inherited BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. BRCA mutations do not mean you will develop cancer, but they do increase risk and may warrant earlier and/or additional screening.
Risk Assessment by Age 25 (ACR)
The American College of Radiology recommends that all high-risk women—especially Black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent—receive a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if earlier screening is needed.
Check Your Risk For Breast Cancer
Complete the CHRISTUS Health Breast Cancer Assessment to receive a report with your breast cancer risk factors and tips on reducing those risks.
Mammogram FAQs
Most people at average risk should start at age 40. Higher-risk patients may start earlier—talk with your clinician.
USPSTF recommends every two years at average risk; ACS supports annual screening for many in their 40s and a choice of annual or biennial after 55. Your plan should be personalized.
Most plans, including Medicare, cover screening mammograms. Check your benefits for details.
How to Personalize Your Screening Plan
- Review your risk: Family history, genetics, and prior diagnoses matter.
- Choose a cadence: Annual vs. biennial depends on your risk and preferences.
- Consider additional imaging: MRI may be recommended for some high-risk patients.
- Revisit regularly: Update your plan as guidelines and your health change.