Breast Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
13. How often should I have a mammogram?
Several studies show that mammography screening has reduced the number of deaths from breast cancer. However, some other studies have not shown a clear benefit from mammography. Scientists are continuing to examine the level of benefit that can come from mammography.
The National Cancer Institute recommends the following:
- If you are a woman in your 40s, you should have mammography screening every one to two years.
- If you are a woman age 50 and older, you should have mammography screening every one to two years.
- If you are a woman who is at higher than average risk for breast cancer, you should seek expert medical advice about whether to begin screening before age 40 and how often to have screening mammography.
