The American Cancer Society® Guidelines for Breast Health The American Cancer Society® regularly issues screening (early detection) guidelines for various cancers to provide guidance to women and health care providers on the methods and tests available, appropriate screening intervals, and new developments. In May 2003 the ACS published an update of its 1997 guidelines for breast cancer screening. The new guidelines are based on a careful review of all studies of the various methods used in the early detection of breast cancer. These breast cancer early detection guidelines represent the most current scientific evidence and expert opinions. These include breast self-exams (BSE), physical breast examinations by doctors, mammograms, and newer technologies, including ultrasound and MRI. The American Cancer Society’s® Recommendations Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 Clinical Breast Exams (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast Self-Exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (i.e., breast ultrasound and MRI), or having more frequent exams.
Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40