How often should women aged 44-54 receive a mammogram?

Women aged 44-54 are generally recommended to receive a mammogram annually. This guideline is based on evidence suggesting that regular screening can help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, when it is typically more treatable and has better outcomes. Annual mammograms are particularly important for women in this age group as they may be at a higher risk for breast cancer due to age, and this screening interval balances the benefit of early detection with the potential risks associated with biopsies or additional imaging from false positives.

Opting for mammograms every two years or only once at age 50 does not align with the current recommendations, which emphasize the importance of more frequent screening in this age range. Some women may be advised to begin screening earlier depending on individual risk factors, and regular check-ups can help in personalizing the screening schedule.