At what age is mammography recommended to start for women?

Mammography is a crucial screening tool for early detection of breast cancer, and the recommendations regarding when to begin routine screening have evolved over time. Current guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggest that women should begin regular mammography screenings at age 40. This recommendation is based on evidence demonstrating that starting screenings at this age can help reduce mortality rates associated with breast cancer.

Beginning at age 40 allows for the screening of women at a time when the risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly. More specifically, it balances the benefits of early detection with the potential risks of more frequent screenings in younger populations, where breast cancer is less common. Therefore, the correct age to start routine mammography screenings for women is age 40.

Each option listed represents different perspectives on screening guidelines, but the most widely accepted recommendation in recent years is to initiate screenings at age 40 to strike an appropriate balance between detecting breast cancer early and minimizing unnecessary procedures in younger women.