Recommended age for screening
Mammography screening every two years is recommended for women aged 40 to 74 (revised in 2024).
Those with a family history should consider getting tested earlier.
Breast cancer screening
Updated on August 4, 2025
Main testing methods
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Mammography (2D or 3D breast X-ray)
If the recommendation does not apply
If the recommendation does not apply
Individuals carrying BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations or those with high-risk genetic syndromes require more frequent and specialized management than those typically screened for.
People with genetic factors
1
Standard screening is not applicable because individualized approaches are necessary based on the risk of recurrence and treatment progress.
People with a history of breast cancer
2
Follow-up is required using a different examination system than that used for standard mammography.
Individuals with a history of high-risk breast lesions
3
Because it requires more frequent and specialized management than typical screenings, it does not qualify as a standard screening method.
People who received radiation therapy to the chest at a young age
4
🩺 Views on mammography and auxiliary examinations for women with dense breasts
In cases of dense breast tissue, there is a large amount of glandular and fibrous tissue and little fat, making it difficult to distinguish the tissue from cancer on a mammogram, thus making cancer detection more challenging. The USPSTF states that dense breast tissue alone does not provide sufficient scientific evidence (improvement in treatment outcomes or mortality) to recommend supplementary tests (ultrasound or MRI).
However, in some states, supplementary tests may also be covered by insurance. For more information, please see here .