At what age is screening for breast cancer recommended to start for average-risk women?

Screening for breast cancer is recommended to start for average-risk women at age 40. This recommendation is based on guidelines from various health organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), which suggest that women should begin annual mammography at this age. The rationale behind this recommendation is that the risk of breast cancer increases with age, and screening at 40 allows for early detection, which is crucial for improved treatment outcomes.

Starting at this age strikes a balance between the sensitivity of mammography in detecting cancers in younger women and the potential risks associated with unnecessary biopsies in women with denser breast tissue. Additionally, breast cancer primarily occurs in women over 40, making this age a significant threshold for initiating screening. By encouraging annual screenings starting at this age, healthcare providers aim to catch any developments in breast tissue at an early and more treatable stage.