The USPSTF recommends breast cancer screening for individuals with breast tissue aged 50-74 every two years (Grade B recommendation). Breast cancer screening for individuals with breast tissue aged 40-49 is given a Grade C recommendation. The USPSTF states that starting breast cancer screening for those with breast tissue aged 40-49 should be an individual decision. That individuals who place greater value on the potential benefits of screening than potential harms may decide to begin breast cancer screening between the ages of 40 and 49. The USPSTF states that breast cancer screening before 50 may be more beneficial for those with a first-degree relative (biological parent, biological sibling, or biological child) who has breast cancer.

The greatest reduction in deaths associated with breast cancer screening over ten years from breast cancer was seen in individuals with breast tissue aged 60-69 (21 fewer deaths per 10,000 screened), followed by 50-59 (8 per 10,000), and 3 per 10,000 aged 40-49.

False positives, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment are also relevant considerations in breast cancer screening. Additionally, mammography has a lower sensitivity for detecting breast cancer in individuals with dense breast tissue.

References:

Siu, A. L., & U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2016). Screening for Breast Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Annals of internal medicine, 164(4), 279–296. https://doi.org/10.7326/M15-2886

Recommendation: Breast Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)