When should I start mammograms, and how often should I repeat them?
Timing depends on age, individual risk and the screening programme. King Hussein Cancer Center advises annual mammography from age 40, while international recommendations use different intervals. A new lump or change needs diagnostic assessment without waiting for screening age or the next routine examination.
Details
Why do intervals differ?
Programmes balance early detection against false-positive results and additional investigations. For example, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years from 40 to 74 for average-risk women. Discuss the plan appropriate in Jordan rather than combining several online schedules.
What about higher risk?
A known inherited variant, important family history or previous chest irradiation may require earlier or additional imaging. Share family details and previous imaging or biopsy results for an appropriate risk assessment.
A normal result does not end follow-up
Bring previous images for comparison and follow any request for further imaging. Do not dismiss a new change because the last mammogram was normal. Self-checking or ultrasound is not an automatic replacement for the recommended screening programme.
Related reading: How do mammography and breast ultrasound differ, and can one replace the other?.