When to Start Getting Mammograms: A Guide by Age and Risk

When Should You Start Getting Mammograms? A Guide Based on Risk

For many women, mammograms are a regular part of preventive care. But questions still come up: when should you actually begin getting them? How often? And does personal or family history change the timeline?

At Wisteria Imaging, we believe early detection starts with education. Here’s what the experts say about when to begin screening mammograms, and how your individual risk factors shape that schedule.

General Guidelines for Mammograms

Multiple health organizations offer recommendations for mammography, and while they vary slightly, most agree that routine screening should begin around age 40 for women at average risk. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) both support annual screening starting at 40.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their guidelines to recommend biennial (every two years) screenings starting at age 40, rather than 50, based on the latest data about breast cancer incidence and mortality.

What Does “Average Risk” Mean?

If you have:

• No personal history of breast cancer

• No known genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2)

• No strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer

…then you’re likely considered average risk. For this group, screening every year or every other year beginning at age 40 is widely supported.

Still unsure where you fall? Our team can work with your provider to clarify your risk profile and help determine the best approach for your screenings.

When Screening Should Start Earlier

For women at higher-than-average risk, mammograms may need to start earlier, often between ages 30 and 40, and may be paired with other tools like breast MRI.

Risk factors that might trigger earlier screening include:

• A first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause

• Known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

• A personal history of atypical hyperplasia or other high-risk breast conditions

• Prior chest radiation therapy (such as for Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

If any of these apply to you, don’t wait to bring it up. Screening earlier—and more often—could make all the difference.

Don’t Wait for Symptoms

Mammograms are a preventive tool, not a reactive one. That means they can detect changes in breast tissue long before you feel a lump or experience symptoms.

This is especially important because early-stage breast cancer is often asymptomatic. When caught early, treatment options are broader and outcomes are significantly better. So even if you feel fine, routine mammograms remain essential.

Learn more about our 3D screening mammograms and how they improve accuracy in detecting small abnormalities.

Talk With Your Doctor and Stay Consistent

Ultimately, the right time to start screening is a decision you and your doctor should make together, based on your health history and personal preferences.

Once you begin, try to stick to a consistent schedule. Whether you screen annually or biennially, regular mammograms offer your best defense against breast cancer, especially as you age.

At Wisteria Imaging, we’re here to make that process easy, comfortable, and informative.

Schedule Your Mammogram with Confidence

We offer same-day or next-day appointments, fast results, and the latest in low-dose 3D mammography technology. Whether you’re beginning screening for the first time or looking to stay on track, we’re ready to help.

Schedule your screening mammogram today or contact us to speak with our friendly team.