On Jan. 11, 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. The decision to start screening mammography in women prior to age 50 years should be an individual one. Women who place a higher value on the potential benefit than the potential harms may choose to begin biennial screening between the ages of 40 and 49 years.

The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.