When should I start getting mammograms?

Recently, the US Preventive Services Task Force released new recommendations for when women should begin getting mammograms for routine breast cancer screening.  They stated that mammograms should not begin until a woman is 50 years old and discouraged women from doing self breast exams each month at home.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) currently recommends routine mammogram screenings begin every 1-2 years at age 40 and every year at age 50.  Breast self exam is still recommended by ACOG.  The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms begin at age 40, and breast self exam should be an option for women.

All of these recommendations can be confusing.  Please, if you have questions about when to start your mammograms, talk to your provider.  We do take family history of cancer into account when making recommendations on a personal basis.  In general, we recommend screening mammograms at age 40 and self breast exams.  If you are unsure how to do a self breast exam, we will teach you how.  Please contact the office with further questions or concerns.