Breast cancer screening and mammogram guidelines have changed leaving many wondering: What should I do?

Hannah Perry, MD, Division Chief and Medical Director of Breast Imaging at University of Vermont Medical Center, answers your questions about the recent change in breast cancer screening.

Q+A Mammogram Screening Changes

Below is Dr. Perry's advice for being proactive about your breast health.

What’s changed with breast cancer screening guidelines?

The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently proposed lowering the recommended age for women to begin receiving mammograms to test for breast cancer. In its draft statement, the USPSTF now recommends that average risk women receive their first mammogram at age 40, down from age 50 in its 2016 recommendations, with repeat mammograms every other year until age 74.

This update aligns the USPSTF recommendations with guidelines from multiple other expert societies. The new recommendations also call for additional research to determine the risks and benefits of screening women age 75 and older.

Do I need to get screened if I don’t have a family history of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Even those who don’t have breast cancer in their family should get screened.

Does screening help?

Screening mammography enables early detection of breast cancers before they would be clinically apparent and before they spread to other parts of the body. Finding breast cancers early may allow different treatment options and may make those treatments more effective.

Who could benefit most from earlier screening?

Annual mammography starting at age 40 has the potential to save many lives, especially for Black and minority women and women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage who, research shows, tend to develop breast cancer at an earlier age.

Where should I go for more information?

To discuss your breast cancer risk and screening needs, contact your primary care or gynecology provider. We perform screening mammography at many sites throughout the UVM Health, Monday through Friday, with some locations offering evening or weekend appointments.