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Breast Screening Recommendations

This article has been archived. We will no longer be updating it. For our most up-to-date information, please visit our breast cancer information here.

New U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines (2009) Prior USPSTF Guidelines (2002) American Cancer Society Guidelines
Mammograms Age 49 and younger Age 50–74 Age 75+
No routine screening. Screening may be considered on an individual basis, depending on patient context and patient's values regarding benefits and harms.
Screening mammography every two years No recommendation
Age 40+: Screening mammogram every 1–2 years.Age 40+: Screening mammogram every year.
Digital mammography and MRI No recommendationNo recommendationRecommend annual MRI for women at high risk; women at moderate risk should discuss the option with health care provider
Breast self-exam Recommends against health care providers teaching women to do self-examsNo recommendationAge 20+: An option; recommend knowing how your breasts normally feel
Clinical breast exam No recommendationNo recommendationAge 20–39: About every 3 years Age 40+: Annually
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