Which age range is commonly cited for starting yearly mammograms according to guidelines?

• A. 45-54
• B. 30-40
• C. 60-70
• D. 15-25

Answer: (A)

The key idea is when average-risk women should begin routine screening mammography, balancing early detection with potential screening harms. Historically, guidelines have commonly recommended starting annual mammograms in the mid-40s. The range around 45 to 54 captures that widely cited starting window, with many recommendations continuing yearly screening through the early 50s before shifting to less frequent intervals for older ages.

Starting earlier—around 30–40—would expose people to unnecessary testing and harms for relatively fewer cancers detected, and starting much later—around 60–70—could miss cancers that develop earlier. Ages 15–25 are not appropriate for routine mammograms in average-risk populations.

So, beginning yearly screenings in the 45–54 range aligns with the guidelines most often cited for initiating this screening frequency.