At what age should women start receiving mammograms?

Women should start receiving mammograms at age 40, as this aligns with the recommendations from major health organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Starting at this age allows for early detection of breast cancer, which is critical since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

By initiating screenings at age 40, women can benefit from potentially life-saving early interventions, as many breast cancers can be asymptomatic in the early stages. This strategy is designed to balance the benefits of early detection with the risks of false positives and unnecessary anxiety from additional testing. Although some organizations advocate starting at age 45 or later, the consensus for many guidelines supports the age of 40 as a threshold to begin routine mammography.