Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Average Risk

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2015 Guideline Update From the American Cancer Society

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What You Need to Know

In 2003, the American Cancer Society recommended annual mammography screening beginning at age 40 and continuing as long as a woman at average risk for breast cancer is in reasonably good health and is a candidate for treatment.

Now, the American Cancer Society offers the following qualified recommendations:

The 2015 Guideline recommends:

  • Women ages 40-44 can begin annual screening mammography
  • Women ages 45-54 should undergo annual screening mammography
  • Women ages 55 and older can transition to every-other-year screening OR continue annual screening mammography
  • Women should continue screening mammography as long as their overall health is good and they have a life expectancy of 10 years or longer
  • Women at any age should not rely on breast examination for breast cancer screening

All the recommendations apply to women at average risk, meaning those with no personal history of breast cancer, no genetic susceptibility to breast cancer, and no history of chest radiation treatment.

Breast Cancer Screening Science From the JAMA Network

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