Women should get mammograms every other year starting at age 40, according to updated recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This is a significant change from previous guidelines, which said women should begin biennial mammograms at age 50, but could opt to begin as young as 40.
The task force also noted that there is not sufficient evidence to 'assess the balance of benefits and harms' of additional breast cancer screenings — including ultrasounds and MRIs — for women with dense breast tissue who have had an otherwise negative screening mammogram. The USPSTF previously released these recommendations in draft form in May 2023. Tuesday’s announcement makes the guidance official.
