In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease this year alone. Early detection using mammography remains the best way to prevent premature death from breast cancer. A panel of experts examined decades of research to update the American Cancer Society's (ACS) recommendations for breast cancer screening. Based on this review, the 2015 recommendations for breast cancer screening for women at average risk of cancer include the following:
- Women should undergo regular screening mammography starting at age 45.
- Women 45 to 54 years of age should be screened annually.
- Women 55 years and older should transition to every other year screening or have the opportunity to continue annual screening.
- Women should have the opportunity to begin annual screening between the ages of 40 and 44 years.
- Women should continue screening mammography as long as their overall health is good and they have a life expectancy of 10 years or longer.
- Clinical breast examination is not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women of any age.
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