Mammogram - recommended age

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Mammography

Overview

Mammogram - recommended age

Alternative Names:

Age and mammograms

Information:

The American Cancer Society recommends mammogram screening every year for all women age 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend mammogram screening every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older.

For those with risk factors, especially a close family member (like your mother or your sister) with the disease, annual mammograms should begin earlier. Your doctor may also recommend MRI or breast ultrasound if you are at high risk.

References:

Smith RA, Saslow D, Sawyer KA, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening: update 2003. CA Cancer J Clin. 2003 May-Jun;53(3):141-69.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for breast cancer: recommendations and rationale. Ann Intern Med. 2002 Sep 3;137(5 Part 1):344-6.

Review Date: 12/1/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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