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Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
1Get the | 2Compare | 3Your | 4Your | 5Quiz | 6Your Summary |
Get the facts
Note: There are new recommendations about when to have mammograms. We are working to update our breast cancer screening content to reflect these changes. The key points below about the benefits and possible risks of screening mammograms can still help you and your doctor decide what is right for you.
Your options
- Start having screening mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s).
- Start having screening mammograms at age 50.
This information is for women who are choosing to have screening mammograms and who are at average risk for breast cancer. It is not for women who are at high risk. If you don't already know your breast cancer risk, you can ask your doctor. Or you can go to www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ to look it up.
Key points to remember
- Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated. Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
- The risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older. In general, women younger than 50 are at a lower risk for breast cancer. Because of this, women ages 50 to 70 are more likely to benefit from having mammograms than women who are in their 40s.
- Mammograms may miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- Mammograms may show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- Mammograms may find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). Some breast cancers never grow or spread and are harmless. You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- If you have health problems that would make it too hard to go through cancer treatment, or if you would not want to have treatment, there may not be a good reason to have a mammogram.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to look for breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms.
- A screening mammogram looks for signs of breast cancer before any symptoms appear.
- A diagnostic mammogram looks for breast cancer in women who have symptoms. Or it is done if you had an abnormal screening mammogram. It's also used to find an area of suspicious breast tissue to remove for a biopsy.
This decision aid is about screening mammograms.
What are the benefits of having a mammogram?
Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated. Often a mammogram can find cancers that are too small for you or your doctor to feel.
Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
What are the risks of having a mammogram?
Each time you have a mammogram, there is a risk that the test:
- May miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- May show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- May find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). Some breast cancers never grow or spread and are harmless. You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- Will briefly expose you to very small amounts of radiation. While the risk from being exposed to radiation from a mammogram is low, it can add up over time.
When do experts advise starting mammograms?
Experts agree that mammograms are the best screening test for women at average risk. But they don't all agree on the age at which a woman should start or whether it is better for her to be screened every year or every two years.
Here are some of the recommendations from experts:
- Start at age 40 and have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.
- Start at age 45 and have a mammogram each year.
- Start at age 50 and have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.
When to stop having mammograms is another decision. You and your doctor can decide on the right age to stop screening based on your personal preferences and overall health.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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- At age 40:
- You go to your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.
- You may get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on what you and your doctor decide.
- If you have an abnormal test result, you may have more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer.
- Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated.
- Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
- Earlier screening may help you find breast cancer sooner.
- Each time you have a mammogram, there is a risk that the test may:
- Miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- Show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- Find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- By starting mammograms earlier, you increase your chances of getting a false-positive test.
- By starting mammograms earlier, you increase your chances of finding a cancer that may never cause a problem.
- You are briefly exposed to very small amounts of radiation each time you have a mammogram.
- Until age 50:
- You go to your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.
- At age 50, you start getting mammograms. You may get one every 1 to 2 years, depending on what you and your doctor decide.
- If you have an abnormal test result, you may have more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer.
- Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated.
- Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
- Since the risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older, women ages 50 to 70 are more likely to benefit from having a mammogram than women who are in their 40s.
- By waiting until age 50 to start having mammograms:
- You avoid the cost and inconvenience of getting a mammogram during your 40s.
- You limit the number of mammograms that may result in a false-positive test.
- You limit the number of mammograms that may find a cancer that may never cause a problem.
- You limit your exposure to radiation.
- Each time you have a mammogram, there is a risk that the test may:
- Miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- Show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- Find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- You are briefly exposed to very small amounts of radiation each time you have a mammogram.
- There is a small risk that a cancer that develops before age 50 may not be found early. You could miss the chance to start treatment early when it has a higher chance of success.
Personal stories about when to start having mammograms
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
No one in my family has ever had breast cancer. So I'm not at high risk for getting it. I talked with my doctor about this, and I read all of the information I could. My doctor says it's my decision, but she is here to answer any questions and talk it over. I'm worried about false positives. I have a friend who has had two biopsies, and many sleepless nights, and it turned out to be nothing. I'm having a tough time deciding. I think for me the best decision is no decision. I'll keep reading and thinking about it. I'm okay with this.
Keiko, 41
I've already talked to my doctor about getting a mammogram when I turn 40 next year. Taking action is really important to me when it comes to my health. My older sister started having mammograms when she turned 40. She got a call once because they found something on her mammogram, but after more testing it turned out to be nothing serious. I want to have that reassurance—the peace of mind is worth it to me.
Jaime, 39
I'm not really worried about getting breast cancer, so I've decided to wait until I'm 50 to start having mammograms. I just turned 40, and I've always been healthy and active. Plus, I don't have any extra risk factors. In the meantime, I'm going to mention any changes I notice in my breasts to my doctor.
Helen, 40
My friend was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast when she was 48. She didn't have any risk factors for the disease, so she hadn't had any mammograms before then. I can't help but think that maybe if she'd had a mammogram a year or two before, the cancer may have been found earlier. I'm not at high risk for breast cancer either, but I'm going to keep having my yearly mammogram just to be sure nothing is wrong.
Sally, 46
I travel a lot for my job, and my days are often crammed with back-to-back meetings, so trying to schedule a mammogram is a challenge. But I've managed to do it, and all my mammograms have been normal. Some doctors say that it's okay for women to start having mammograms at 50. I think that's reasonable, and I don't feel like I would be putting myself at much greater risk for missing a cancer by waiting until I'm 50 to get my next one.
Bella, 44
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to start mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s)
Reasons to start mammograms at age 50
I'm worried that I might get breast cancer at an earlier age.
I'm not too worried that I might get breast cancer at an earlier age.
I think starting mammograms earlier is worth the increased risk of having a false-positive test result if it could find cancer early.
I think the chance of having a false-positive test result is more likely than the test finding a real problem if I start having mammograms earlier.
I'm not afraid to have a biopsy or other tests if my doctor sees a problem on the mammogram.
I don't want to have a biopsy or other tests that I may not need.
I'm not afraid of being exposed to small doses of radiation each time I have a mammogram.
I don't want to be exposed to any more radiation than is necessary.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Start mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s)
Start mammograms at age 50
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Clinical Review Board | Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Note: There are new recommendations about when to have mammograms. We are working to update our breast cancer screening content to reflect these changes. The key points below about the benefits and possible risks of screening mammograms can still help you and your doctor decide what is right for you.
Your options
- Start having screening mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s).
- Start having screening mammograms at age 50.
This information is for women who are choosing to have screening mammograms and who are at average risk for breast cancer. It is not for women who are at high risk. If you don't already know your breast cancer risk, you can ask your doctor. Or you can go to www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ to look it up.
Key points to remember
- Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated. Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
- The risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older. In general, women younger than 50 are at a lower risk for breast cancer. Because of this, women ages 50 to 70 are more likely to benefit from having mammograms than women who are in their 40s.
- Mammograms may miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- Mammograms may show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- Mammograms may find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). Some breast cancers never grow or spread and are harmless. You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- If you have health problems that would make it too hard to go through cancer treatment, or if you would not want to have treatment, there may not be a good reason to have a mammogram.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to look for breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms.
- A screening mammogram looks for signs of breast cancer before any symptoms appear.
- A diagnostic mammogram looks for breast cancer in women who have symptoms. Or it is done if you had an abnormal screening mammogram. It's also used to find an area of suspicious breast tissue to remove for a biopsy.
This decision aid is about screening mammograms.
What are the benefits of having a mammogram?
Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated. Often a mammogram can find cancers that are too small for you or your doctor to feel.
Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.
What are the risks of having a mammogram?
Each time you have a mammogram, there is a risk that the test:
- May miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.
- May show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn't any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. These tests can be harmful and cause a lot of worry.
- May find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). Some breast cancers never grow or spread and are harmless. You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can't tell whether it's harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don't need.
- Will briefly expose you to very small amounts of radiation. While the risk from being exposed to radiation from a mammogram is low, it can add up over time.
When do experts advise starting mammograms?
Experts agree that mammograms are the best screening test for women at average risk. But they don't all agree on the age at which a woman should start or whether it is better for her to be screened every year or every two years.
Here are some of the recommendations from experts:
- Start at age 40 and have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.
- Start at age 45 and have a mammogram each year.
- Start at age 50 and have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.
When to stop having mammograms is another decision. You and your doctor can decide on the right age to stop screening based on your personal preferences and overall health.
2. Compare your options
| Start mammograms at age 40 | Start mammograms at age 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Personal stories about when to start having mammograms
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"No one in my family has ever had breast cancer. So I'm not at high risk for getting it. I talked with my doctor about this, and I read all of the information I could. My doctor says it's my decision, but she is here to answer any questions and talk it over. I'm worried about false positives. I have a friend who has had two biopsies, and many sleepless nights, and it turned out to be nothing. I'm having a tough time deciding. I think for me the best decision is no decision. I'll keep reading and thinking about it. I'm okay with this."
— Keiko, 41
"I've already talked to my doctor about getting a mammogram when I turn 40 next year. Taking action is really important to me when it comes to my health. My older sister started having mammograms when she turned 40. She got a call once because they found something on her mammogram, but after more testing it turned out to be nothing serious. I want to have that reassurance—the peace of mind is worth it to me."
— Jaime, 39
"I'm not really worried about getting breast cancer, so I've decided to wait until I'm 50 to start having mammograms. I just turned 40, and I've always been healthy and active. Plus, I don't have any extra risk factors. In the meantime, I'm going to mention any changes I notice in my breasts to my doctor."
— Helen, 40
"My friend was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast when she was 48. She didn't have any risk factors for the disease, so she hadn't had any mammograms before then. I can't help but think that maybe if she'd had a mammogram a year or two before, the cancer may have been found earlier. I'm not at high risk for breast cancer either, but I'm going to keep having my yearly mammogram just to be sure nothing is wrong."
— Sally, 46
"I travel a lot for my job, and my days are often crammed with back-to-back meetings, so trying to schedule a mammogram is a challenge. But I've managed to do it, and all my mammograms have been normal. Some doctors say that it's okay for women to start having mammograms at 50. I think that's reasonable, and I don't feel like I would be putting myself at much greater risk for missing a cancer by waiting until I'm 50 to get my next one."
— Bella, 44
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to start mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s)
Reasons to start mammograms at age 50
I'm worried that I might get breast cancer at an earlier age.
I'm not too worried that I might get breast cancer at an earlier age.
I think starting mammograms earlier is worth the increased risk of having a false-positive test result if it could find cancer early.
I think the chance of having a false-positive test result is more likely than the test finding a real problem if I start having mammograms earlier.
I'm not afraid to have a biopsy or other tests if my doctor sees a problem on the mammogram.
I don't want to have a biopsy or other tests that I may not need.
I'm not afraid of being exposed to small doses of radiation each time I have a mammogram.
I don't want to be exposed to any more radiation than is necessary.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Start mammograms at age 40 (or anytime in your 40s)
Start mammograms at age 50
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. Does the risk of breast cancer go up as you get older?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
2. Can having mammograms help save lives?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
3. If your mammogram shows an abnormal result, does that mean you have breast cancer?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Clinical Review Board | Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Current as of: April 18, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
