Question 1

At what age should a woman get her first mammogram?

Accepted Answer

At 40, for women at average risk, then every 2 years. Before 2024 the USPSTF left screening in the 40s as an individual decision; its 2024 statement recommends it for everyone from 40.

Question 2

How often should you get a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

The USPSTF says every 2 years from 40 to 74, and that biennial screening "has a more favorable trade-off of benefits vs harms than annual screening." Other groups differ: the American Cancer Society advises yearly mammograms from 45 to 54, and ACOG says every 1 to 2 years from 40. Your doctor decides with you.

Question 3

At what age can you stop getting mammograms?

Accepted Answer

The grade B range ends at 74. For women 75 or older the USPSTF says the evidence is "insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms" (grade I), so whether to keep going is a decision to make with your clinician, based on your health and preferences.

Question 4

Does this apply if breast cancer runs in my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the family history is a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling or child) with breast cancer. The USPSTF says its advice also applies to people with that history or with dense breasts. It does not apply to people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant or other high-risk factors listed above. If breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer runs in your family, a separate USPSTF recommendation on BRCA risk assessment applies.

Question 5

I have dense breasts. Do I need an ultrasound or MRI too?

Accepted Answer

Women with dense breasts should still start mammograms at 40. The USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against extra screening with breast ultrasound or MRI after a normal mammogram, and says these women should talk to their clinicians about follow-up options. It also notes that since September 2024 the FDA requires mammography centers to tell patients about their breast density.

Question 6

Is a 3D mammogram better than a regular one?

Accepted Answer

The USPSTF says both digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis ("3D mammography") are effective for screening. The American Cancer Society says 3D mammography appears to lower the chance of being called back and to find more cancers, but often costs more and may not be covered by insurance.

Question 7

Does Medicare pay for mammograms?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part B covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months for women 40 or older, and one baseline mammogram between 35 and 39. You pay nothing for these if the provider accepts assignment. A diagnostic mammogram (to check a problem) costs 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.

Question 8

Are there medicines that lower breast cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for some women. The USPSTF recommends offering medicines such as tamoxifen, raloxifene or an aromatase inhibitor to women 35 and older at increased risk of breast cancer, and not to women at average risk. Details and sources are on our page about these medicines.

Age	USPSTF (2024)	American Cancer Society	ACOG
40 to 44	Every 2 years	Option to start yearly mammograms	Every 1 to 2 years
45 to 54	Every 2 years	Every year	Every 1 to 2 years
55 to 74	Every 2 years	Every 2 years, or keep going yearly	Every 1 to 2 years
75 and older	Evidence insufficient (I)	Continue while in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years	Continue until at least 75

Breast cancer screening: ages 40 to 74, every 2 years

When it starts, when it can stop

Who it is for

Test and how often

How often to get a mammogram, by guideline

Where the USPSTF draws the line

Questions people ask