Breast cancer screening for women: mammograms every two years starting at age 40

17. Breast cancer screening for women: mammograms every two years starting at age 40

Cost: A mammogram costs around 200–300 yuan each time. Many regions also offer free screening programs. Each screening takes about half a day.

In plain terms: For women aged 40 to 74, having a mammogram every two years is a clear recommendation in official US screening guidelines. For women over 75, and for those with dense breast tissue who need extra ultrasound or MRI scans, there is currently insufficient evidence to support such screening. If a health check package includes these extra tests at an extra charge, they are not necessary.

Benefit: The US Preventive Services Task Force is the official body that issues screening recommendations in the US. Its current recommendation reads: “We recommend screening mammography every two years for women aged 40 to 74.” Mammography is exactly what we commonly call a mammogram. This recommendation is rated as a Grade B. For women over 75, and for those with dense breast tissue who need additional ultrasound or MRI scans, the Task Force has concluded that there is not enough evidence to support such screening.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: US Preventive Services Task Force (2024). Breast Cancer: Screening. <https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening>

Notes: The recommended starting age for screening varies by country. In China, some local guidelines and programs recommend starting at age 45. Women with a family history of breast cancer — such as parents, children or siblings who have had it — or those carrying BRCA mutations are at higher risk. They should consult a doctor individually to determine the right screening plan; the above recommendations do not apply to them.