At what age does ACOG recommend women to start annual mammography?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women begin annual mammography at age 40. This recommendation is based on evidence indicating that regular screening starting at this age significantly helps reduce mortality rates from breast cancer. The rationale is that although breast cancer can occur in younger women, the risk increases with age, particularly after 40.

Initiating screening at this age enables early detection of breast cancer when it is most treatable, allowing for a broader range of effective treatment options and better outcomes. Research indicates that the benefits of routine mammography beginning at age 40 outweigh the potential risks associated with screening.

The recommendations are designed to balance the need for early detection with the understanding of individual risk factors, and as such, ACOG encourages women to consult their healthcare providers to make personalized decisions based on their medical history and family risk factors.