Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Average Risk
Find information about coronavirus and breast cancer screening.
Mammography is the most effective screening tool used today to find breast cancer in most women. However, the benefits of mammography vary by age.
Learn about mammography for women ages:
Figure 3.1 (below) shows the breast cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk from some major health organizations [2,4,144].
Learn about screening recommendations for women at higher than average risk of breast cancer.
Figure 3.1: Breast cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk | ||||||
American Cancer Society | National Comprehensive Cancer Network | U.S. Preventive Services Task Force | ||||
Informed decision-making with a health care provider ages 40-44 Every year ages 45-54 Every 2 years (or every year if a woman chooses to do so) starting at age 55, for as long as a woman is in good health | Every year starting at age 40, for as long as a woman is in good health | Informed decision-making with a health care provider ages 40-49 Every 2 years ages 50-74 | ||||
Not recommended | Every 1-3 years ages 25-39 Every year starting at age 40 | Not enough evidence to recommend for or against | ||||
*The American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines state 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) may be used for screening mammography. |
Women Should Have Access to and Coverage for Mammography
Susan G. Komen® believes all women should have access to regular screening mammograms when they and their health care providers decide it is best based on their personal risk of breast cancer. In addition, screening should be covered by insurance companies, government programs and other third-party payers. Read more.
Updated 12/10/20
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