Healthcare screenings save many lives each year by detecting diseases early and when they are most treatable. Breast cancer screening guidelines are changing as researchers and healthcare providers learn more about the disease. The following guidelines reflect the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for 2024.

  • Women should start regular mammograms at age 40. Before these updated USPSTF guidelines, women were advised to begin screening at age 50. These new USPSTF guidelines are consistent with recommendations from other organizations.
  • Screening mammograms should be scheduled every other year for women aged 40-74. Some organizations recommend annual mammograms for women, making it important for women to discuss screening with their physicians. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly mammograms for women aged 45-54.
  • The USPSTF emphasized the need for further research into the benefits of breast ultrasound and MRI for women with dense breasts. Women identified as having dense breasts should consult their doctors about the latest information on ultrasounds and MRIs, and women under age 40 might find these imaging methods useful.
  • Additional Considerations. Women with a family history of breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or undergo screenings more frequently. Those with genetic mutations should follow specific screening guidelines based on their individual risk, says Medscape.

The USPSTF could not make specific recommendations for breast cancer screenings in women 75 and older due to a lack of enough studies in this age group.

Since USPSTF recommendations can change, women should review these guidelines alongside advice from other organizations and work with their healthcare team to determine the best screening plan for their individual needs. For more information, visit www.bcrf.org, www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org, and www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html.