SSRS survey
Many women miss guidance to start mammograms at 40
Clinical takeaway: Average-risk women should talk with a clinician by age 40 about when and how often to screen, while those with family history or other risk factors may need earlier screening.
Breast cancer screening guidance has shifted and remains somewhat inconsistent across major medical advisory groups. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force moved its starting age down to 40 from 50 in April 2024, recommending screening every other year. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging has long recommended annual mammograms starting at 40.
This shifting and conflicting guidance may be taking a toll. A national survey of 1,043 U.S. women found that 44% incorrectly believed annual mammograms should begin at age 50. The confusion also ran in the other direction: 41% said screening should begin by age 35, although routine mammography before age 40 is generally reserved for higher-risk patients.
The confusion matters as breast cancer diagnoses rise in younger women. More than 27,000 U.S. women younger than 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and cases in this age group increased by an average of 0.7% per year from 2001 to 2022, according to U.S. Cancer Statistics.
Barriers extended beyond guideline awareness. About 53% of respondents reported at least one reason for delaying or avoiding mammograms, including cost, discomfort, believing they were too young, lack of symptoms, and radiation concerns.
“Our biggest concern is ongoing confusion about screening guidelines,” said Alyssa Cubbison, DO, a breast radiologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. “For most women, breast cancer screening should begin with annual mammograms at age 40. Clear, accurate information helps women make informed decisions with their clinician and may lead to earlier detection.”
Source: Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and SSRS. 2026 Apr 29. Survey finds many women still believe mammograms should start at age 50—experts say age 40