Updated Mammogram Recommendations

Experts agree that detecting breast cancer early means a better outlook, but the age at which to start screenings has changed again, according to the American Cancer Society. New recommendations aren’t unanimously endorsed.

The new guidelines are primarily for women at average risk—women who haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer, don’t have a genetic risk for the disease, and didn’t have radiation therapy to the chest at a young age. The recommendations are to have a yearly mammogram from age 45 to 54, and then every two years for as long as your overall health is good. According to the Society and some other organizations, breast exams by a clinician and even monthly self-exams are no longer recommended.

While the new recommendations leave room for more aggressive screening for women who want it, it’s important to point out that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists disagrees with the guidelines for women of average risk. It still supports routine mammograms beginning at 40 as well as continued clinician and self breast exams.