Why You Should Start Mammograms at Age 40: Inside the Screening Guidelines
September 28, 2026 | Tags:
A mammogram is an important tool for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment may be more effective. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women age 40 and older get mammograms every other year to reduce the risk of dying from the disease.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in breast tissue grow abnormally. Most cases start in the ducts, or tubes, that carry breast milk to the nipple or in the milk-producing glands called lobules.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S., and while women ages 50 and older are typically at higher risk, women younger than 50 can also be affected. Some risk factors of breast cancer cannot be changed, such as age, race, gender or family history. However, you may be able to lower your risk by making certain lifestyle changes, including:
- Eat nutrient-dense foods
- Be physically active
- Quit smoking and using other tobacco products
- Avoid or limit alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer symptoms may not be noticeable at first and vary depending on how advanced the cancer is. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass, sometimes as small as a pea. Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, routine screenings are important to determine whether abnormal changes are signs of the disease. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Changes in the size, shape or appearance of your breast. Changes in color can differ depending on a person’s skin color.
- Swollen lymph nodes under your arm or near your collarbone.
- Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple.
- Changes in the look or feel of your skin on your breast or nipple, such as looking dimpled like an orange peel, puckered, scaly or inflamed.
- Breast or nipple pain.
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, flaky, dry or thickened.
- Nipple retraction (turns flat or inward).
Updated breast cancer screening guidelines
As women get older, it’s important to get screened for breast cancer. In April 2024, USPSTF updated its guidelines, recommending that women get a mammogram every other year if they:
- Are age 40 and older.
- Have an average risk for breast cancer.
- Have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
The previous recommendation was that women begin receiving mammograms at age 50.
However, as rates of breast cancer in younger women have increased in recent years, the screening recommendation has changed to reduce the risk of dying from this disease.
Why is early detection of breast cancer important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10% of new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women who are younger than age 45.
Because cancer is more difficult to treat when it has more time to spread to other parts of the body, early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment.
By starting mammograms at age 40, providers can diagnose cancer earlier and improve the likelihood of effective treatment. Women at higher risk should discuss when to begin breast cancer screening with their healthcare provider. These include:
- Having dense breast tissue.
- Inherited genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA 2.
- A personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
- Benign (noncancerous) breast diseases or other breast health problems.
- Taking combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Receiving radiation therapy to the chest area during childhood or early adulthood.
What can you expect during a mammogram?
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous if you’ve never had a mammogram before. The good news is the procedure is simple and routine. A mammogram takes a 2D or 3D X-ray of your breast tissue to look for abnormalities. On the day of the screening, avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, perfume or body powder as they can affect the X-ray results.
You’ll undress from the waist up and stand in front of the mammography machine, placing one breast on a support plate. The plate will compress your breast so it’s flat while the X-rays are taken. While this part can cause some discomfort, it only lasts a few seconds.
You’ll then repeat the process for the other breast. Once both images are taken, you can get dressed and go about your day.
Mammogram facilities may offer evening or weekend hours, and some don’t even require an appointment. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) if these options are available. Your PCP can also answer questions and address concerns about what you can expect from getting a mammogram.
Talk to your loved ones about mammogram screenings and make an appointment today
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., so regular testing before signs and symptoms appear is crucial. Most preventive care, like breast cancer screenings, is covered by your Medical Mutual health plan. Schedule an appointment with your PCP to discuss the screenings that are right for you.
Need help finding a PCP? Medical Mutual can help. Log in to My Health Plan and use our Find a Provider tool or call the Customer Care number on your member ID card.
Looking for health insurance coverage?
The right Ohio health insurance plan can provide you with quality coverage for lifesaving preventive screenings. Medical Mutual offers a variety of health insurance plan types designed to meet the unique needs of communities across our state. View our Medicare and individual and family health insurance plans to find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.