A new national survey has found that many women are unsure when to start mammography screening for breast cancer and believe they should start later than their doctors recommend.
The study, commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute (OSUCCC – James), found that 44% of women incorrectly believe that mammography should begin annually at age 50. Leading medical organizations recommend that women at average risk for breast cancer begin having annual mammograms starting at age 40.
Our biggest concern is the continued confusion regarding screening guidelines. For most women, breast cancer screening should begin with an annual mammogram at age 40. Clear and accurate information can help women make informed decisions with their doctors and can lead to early detection. ”
Alyssa Cavison, DO, OSUCCC Breast Radiologist – James
What major guidelines recommend
Confusion continues even after the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its mammography recommendations in April 2024. The task force recommends that women at average risk get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40. However, many medical experts, including the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology, continue to recommend that average-risk women be screened annually starting at age 40, a guideline that the OSUCCC (James) also follows.
The survey also found that many women think they should start getting screened sooner. More than half of women (51%) say they should get a mammogram every year, and 41% think screening should start by age 35.
“Starting mammography screening before age 40 is appropriate only for certain patients who are considered to be at high risk based on factors such as family history and genetic mutations,” Cubbison said.
In April 2026, the American College of Physicians updated its guidance to recommend that average-risk women ages 50 to 74 receive a mammogram every two years, citing individualized decision-making. OSUCCC – James follows radiology-focused guidelines that recommend starting annual mammograms starting at age 40. Under the Affordable Care Act, annual mammogram screenings starting at age 40 are covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. Insurance coverage may vary. Patients should check with their insurance company for specific coverage.
Why it’s important to start mammography at age 40
Experts say the confusion is especially worrisome because breast cancer diagnoses among young women are on the rise. More than 27,000 U.S. women under the age of 45 will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, according to U.S. Cancer Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the number of new cases in this age group increased by an average of 0.7% per year from 2001 to 2022, according to CDC data. Because young women are not regularly screened, cancers in this group are more likely to be detected at later stages when they can be treated. complex.
Why some women delay mammography screening
Beyond confusion about screening guidelines, nearly half (53%) of women surveyed cited reported beliefs or reasons for delaying or avoiding mammography.
- Cost (28%)
- Discomfort (26%)
- believe they are too young (26%)
- No symptoms (25%)
- Concerns about radiation exposure (21%)
Young women: when to consult a clinician
The survey also highlighted concerns among young women. About one in four women aged 18 to 29 said they wait to see a doctor until symptoms such as pain or a lump appear, but experts say this approach can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Most women under 40 are not eligible for regular mammography screenings. But experts recommend that young women, especially those with a personal or family history of breast cancer, talk to their clinicians about their risks. It’s also helpful to know if your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue increases your risk and may make it harder for a mammogram to detect cancer. The study found that if a mammogram showed dense breast tissue, most women would take follow-up steps, such as seeing their primary care physician or gynecologist (60%) or requesting additional imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI (54%).
“Sharing these findings is intended to correct misconceptions, clarify screening guidance, and encourage women of all ages to talk with their health care providers about when to start mammograms and how to protect breast health,” Cubbison said.
For more information about breast cancer research and patient care at OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu/breastcancer. OSUCCC – James recently launched the Research Innovation and Care Delivery for Early Onset Cancer Group (BRIDGE) initiative to support people diagnosed with cancer at a young age.
Research method
The survey was conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a twice-monthly national probability-based survey. Data collection was conducted from April 2 to 6, 2026, with a sample of 1,043 female respondents. The survey was conducted in English via the web (n=1,014) and telephone (n=29). The margin of error across respondents is +/-3.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Opinion panel omnibus data is weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adult women ages 18 and older.
sauce:
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
