Which statement best describes breast cancer screening recommendations for average-risk women?

• A. Mammogram annually for women over 40 or 10 years before the age that your first-degree relative was diagnosed.
• B. Mammogram every other year starting at age 40.
• C. Mammogram annually only after age 50.
• D. Mammography is not recommended unless a lump is detected.

Answer: (A)

Screening mammography for average‑risk women is about finding cancers early enough to improve outcomes, using a modality with proven mortality benefit. The recommended approach is to start annual mammograms around age 40. If a first‑degree relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you begin screening about 10 years before that relative’s age at diagnosis, whichever comes first. This targets higher risk earlier while still applying a standard plan for the general population.

Starting later or using less frequent screening would delay detection and potentially reduce the chance of catching cancer early. Waiting for a lump to appear misses the opportunity for earlier, more curable treatment.