Breast Cancer Screening Can Be Tailored to Risk
A risk check can help shape an individual screening plan.
Breast cancer risk assessment is now recommended for women beginning at age 25. The American College of Radiology first advised formal assessment by age 30 in 2018, then moved that recommendation to age 25 in 2023. Even so, there is still no established standard for how these tests should be used.
The results depend on information such as health and family history from both sides of the family, genetic factors, reproductive history, breast density, and other personal details. Different tools estimate five-year, 10-year, or lifetime risk; some also estimate the chance of carrying a BRCA mutation. Their accuracy varies: some can miss risk, while others may overstate it. Several tools are intended for specific ages or groups, including Black women ages 30 to 70 and women ages 35 to 79.
After completing a test, discuss the result with a primary care doctor or gynecologist. A clinician can also guide you through an assessment directly, including more complex evaluations that may lead to genetic counseling. The resulting risk estimate helps shape an individual screening plan, supporting more personalized care and earlier detection.
- Risk assessment is recommended for women starting at age 25.
- The ACR changed its recommended assessment age from 30 to 25 in 2023.
- Some tests require ages 35 or older; others serve specific age ranges.
- Risk estimates may cover five years, 10 years, or a lifetime.
- Discuss results with a primary care doctor or gynecologist.
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