At what age should routine mammography begin for average-risk women?

Routine mammography is recommended for average-risk women to begin at age 40 based on guidelines from major health organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The rationale for starting at this age is that the risk for breast cancer significantly increases as women age, and early detection through mammography can help catch potential tumors at a stage when they are more treatable.

This recommendation highlights the importance of balancing the benefits of early detection against the risks of false positives and unnecessary interventions, which can occur if screening begins too early. Women should also be encouraged to have discussions with their healthcare providers about their individual risk factors and personal history, which may affect their screening timelines.

Starting mammography at age 40 provides a standardized approach that aligns with established clinical evidence, making it a widely accepted practice for early detection in average-risk populations.