Final Recommendation Statement

Breast Cancer: Screening

April 30, 2024

Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government. They should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Screening Saves Lives from Breast Cancer: Finalized GuidanceThe Task Force now recommends that all women get screened every other year starting at age 40. This final recommendation also urgently calls for research in key areas.
  Explore this page to learn more about the latest Task Force final recommendation on screening for breast cancer.
• https://www.youtube.com/embed/r6olpv75gnMDr. Wanda Nicholson shares key information about the recommendation.

• Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Task Force recommending?How is this different from your previous final recommendation?Is there specific guidance for women with dense breasts?Is there specific guidance on breast cancer screening for Black women?
• Get the FactsInfographic PDF, 7.7 MBVisual summary of the Task Force’s new final recommendationLet’s Talk About It: Screening for Breast CancerDiscussion guide for healthcare professionals and patientsClinician Summary PDF, 130 KBFact sheet providing clinicians with key information about the recommendationPDF Help

Newsroom

• April 30, 2024 | Associated PressMammograms should start at 40 to address rising breast cancer rates at younger ages, panel says April 30, 2024 | USPSTFTask Force Issues Final Recommendation Statement on Screening for Breast CancerApril 30, 2024 | JAAPAAAPA talks with USPSTF about its new breast cancer screening recommendation
  • Media Contact
    • Email: newsroom@uspstf.net
    • Phone: (301) 951-9203

Final Recommendation Statement

Recommendation Summary

Population	Recommendation	Grade
Women aged 40 to 74 years	The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years.	B
Women 75 years or older	The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.	I
Women with dense breasts	The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of supplemental screening for breast cancer using breast ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women identified to have dense breasts on an otherwise negative screening mammogram. See the “Practice Considerations” section for more information on the patient population to whom this recommendation applies and on screening mammography modalities.	I

Pathway to Benefit

To achieve the benefit of screening and mitigate disparities in breast cancer mortality by race and ethnicity, it is important that all persons with abnormal screening mammography results receive equitable and appropriate follow-up evaluation and additional testing, inclusive of indicated biopsies, and that all persons diagnosed with breast cancer receive effective treatment.

Clinician Summary

What does the USPSTF recommend?

Women aged 40 to 74 years: The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography. Grade: B