A mammogram is an important screening tool used in the prevention of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women. Appropriate screening for this deadly disease is of utmost importance.

Several guidelines for mammographic screening are recommended. For women with no family history of breast cancer and no prior history of breast cancer, initial screening is recommended at 40 years of age. Although the benefit of breast cancer screening in the 40s is still under debate, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends starting to screen patients at the age of 40. Between 40 and 49 years of age screening is recommended every 1 to 2 years. The benefit of breast cancer screening in the 50 to 69 age group has been clearly established. Women in this age group should receive yearly mammograms. Over age 70, the benefit of breast cancer screening has not been clearly established. Due to the increasing risk of breast cancer with age, however, most physicians still advocate yearly screening after 70 years of age.

You should have your first screening mammogram by age 40. Discuss the frequency of subsequent mammograms with your physician.