Should you be screened with mammography for breast cancer?
High risk refers to women who have a personal or family history of breast cancer, the known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or prior chest wall radiation.
If you are high risk, talk to a doctor about the best screening options for you. This guideline does not apply to women with a high risk of breast cancer.
Age | Recommendation | Explanation |
---|---|---|
40–49 years old | We suggest not screening with mammography. | The chance of having a false positive is relatively high, but the likelihood of having breast cancer is lower than at older ages. |
50–74 years old | We suggest scheduling a mammogram every 2–3 years. | The chance of getting breast cancer increases. The benefits of screening outweigh the potential harms. |
75 years old or older | We suggest discussing the benefits and harms of mammography with a health care provider. | The benefits of screening may outweigh the potential harms. Your overall health is important in deciding whether to have a mammogram. |