When Should You Start Getting Mammograms? 2025 Guidelines

Last month, Jennifer called our office. She’d turned 40. Her mother survived breast cancer. “When should I start getting mammograms?” she asked. “My mom says now. My friend says wait until 45. I’m confused.”

You’re not alone. Every year, over 42,000 women in the United States die from breast cancer. Early detection through mammography saves lives. Yet, despite its importance, most women feel confused about when to begin screening.

When should I start getting mammograms? The answer depends on your age, family history, and personal risk factors. We understand that each woman’s situation is unique, and most medical experts now recommend starting between the ages of 40 and 45. Your situation may require earlier screening.

This guide breaks down the 2025 screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society, explains why recommendations differ between organizations, and shows you exactly where to get screened in Glen Rose, Texas.

Schedule your mammogram at Glen Rose Medical Center today.

When Should I Start Getting Mammograms? Understanding Your Personal Timeline

The right time to start mammogram screenings is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on multiple factors working together. Your age serves as the primary guideline, but your family history of breast cancer and your personal health conditions also play a major role.

At Glen Rose Medical Center, our imaging team performs hundreds of mammograms each year. We help women across Somervell County understand exactly what to expect from their screening. Our 3D mammography with computer-aided detection provides the most accurate screenings available in the region.

The American Cancer Society, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each publish guidelines for screening. These recommendations differ slightly based on different research interpretations and risk assessment models.

Your doctor will help you make the best choice for your specific situation. No single answer fits every woman.

Current Mammogram Guidelines by Age (2025 Update)

Medical organizations updated their breast cancer screening recommendations in 2024. When should I start getting mammograms based on these new guidelines? The answer depends on your age bracket.

Women Under Age 40

Sarah came to us at 35. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38. “When should I start getting mammograms?” she asked. “Do I wait until 40?”

Most women under 40 don’t need routine mammogram screenings. Your breast tissue tends to be denser at younger ages. Think of it like trying to spot a snowflake in a snowstorm. Both dense tissue and tumors show up white on mammograms, making detection harder.

You should consider earlier screening if you have:

A mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
Multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer
Known BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
Previous radiation therapy to your chest between ages 10 and 30
Dense breast tissue identified by a previous scan
Personal history of certain breast conditions

Women at high risk should start screening with both mammography and breast MRI annually, typically beginning at age 25 to 30. Talk to your doctor about genetic testing if breast cancer runs in your family.

Ages 40 to 44: When Should I Start Getting Mammograms?

The question “when should I start getting mammograms?” gets complicated for women in their early 40s. Different organizations give different answers.

The American Cancer Society states women ages 40 to 44 have the option to start annual mammogram screenings. This represents a personal choice you make with your healthcare provider.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their 2024 guidelines to recommend that all women begin screening at age 40, getting mammograms every two years. This change came partly to address health disparities. Black women face 40% higher breast cancer death rates compared to white women.

Most insurance plans cover annual screenings starting at age 40 with zero out-of-pocket costs. Cost should not prevent you from starting early if you choose to screen.

Lisa, a Glen Rose resident, told us: “The compression was uncomfortable for about 10 seconds, but it didn’t hurt. I was back at work 20 minutes later. I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”

Ages 45 to 54

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women ages 45 to 54 get mammograms every year. Breast cancer incidence increases during these years. Annual screening catches fast-growing cancers earlier.

Your breast tissue becomes less dense as you age. This makes mammograms more accurate at detecting potential problems.

Ages 55 and Over

After age 55, women choose between annual mammograms or screening every two years. Screening should continue as long as you remain in good health and expect to live at least 10 more years.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening (every two years) for women ages 40 to 74. After age 75, discuss your individual situation with your doctor.

Women in excellent health often continue annual screenings past age 75. Your screening schedule should reflect your overall health status and personal preferences.

Why Medical Guidelines Differ (And Why It Confuses You)

You’re sitting at your computer, searching “when should I start getting mammograms?” You find five different answers. Your confusion turns to frustration.

Different medical organizations recommend different screening schedules. This creates real confusion. But the differences reflect careful analysis, not disagreement about screening value.

Some organizations emphasize catching every possible cancer early through frequent screening. Others balance early detection benefits against false positive rates, overdiagnosis risks, and the stress of additional testing.

False positives are like your car’s check engine light coming on for a loose gas cap. Something triggered the alert, but it’s not the serious problem you feared. About 50% of women getting annual mammograms for 10 years will experience at least one false positive. These results cause anxiety and lead to additional procedures.

Overdiagnosis occurs when screening finds slow-growing cancers that never cause symptoms or health problems. Treating these cancers exposes women to surgery, radiation, and other interventions they might not need.

Both sides of the debate agree on the fundamental truth: mammography saves lives through early detection. The question centers on optimal screening frequency and start age to maximize benefits while minimizing harms.

Recent data showing rising breast cancer rates among women in their 40s pushed multiple organizations toward earlier screening recommendations. The 2024 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force update reflected this trend.

At Glen Rose Medical Center, our board-certified radiologists work with each patient individually. We help you understand the guidelines and choose a screening schedule matching your personal risk factors and preferences.

Book your screening appointment now.

What to Expect During Your First Mammogram

Maria sat in her car outside our imaging center for 10 minutes before her first mammogram. She’d been putting it off for two years. “What if they find something? What if it hurts?”

Feeling nervous about your first mammogram? That’s normal. Most of our patients tell us they built it up in their minds to be worse than reality. The anticipation is harder than the experience.

Your entire appointment takes 15 to 20 minutes, from check-in to completion. The imaging requires about 10 minutes.

You’ll change into a gown in a private room. A specially trained mammography technologist will guide you through each step. You’ll stand facing the mammography machine while the technologist positions one breast at a time on a flat imaging plate.

A second plate descends from above to compress your breast. This compression spreads the breast tissue to get clearer images. The compression lasts only 10 to 15 seconds for each image.

Now, about that compression everyone worries about: Most women describe the sensation as pressure or mild discomfort rather than pain. Think of it like getting your blood pressure taken on your arm, but on your breast instead. The pressure may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. Tell your technologist immediately if you experience pain.

Results typically arrive within three to five business days. Your doctor receives a detailed report from our board-certified radiologists. If additional imaging becomes necessary, our team will contact you promptly to schedule a follow-up.

Learn more about our advanced diagnostic imaging services.

Understanding Mammogram Costs and Insurance Coverage

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Many women delay asking “when should I start getting mammograms” because they worry about paying for screening.

Cost concerns prevent many women from getting screened. Understanding your coverage options removes this barrier.

The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover screening mammograms for women starting at age 40. These screenings must be provided with zero out-of-pocket costs. No copay. No coinsurance. No deductible.

Your insurance covers one screening mammogram per year or one every two years, depending on your plan. Check your specific policy details.

Medicare Part B covers annual screening mammograms for women over 40. Medicare also covers diagnostic mammograms when medically necessary. You pay nothing for screening mammograms under Medicare.

If you lack insurance, Glen Rose Medical Center offers self-pay options with transparent pricing. Call our scheduling line at 254-897-1405 to discuss costs before your appointment. We work with you to make screening affordable.

Texas provides free or low-cost mammograms through specific programs. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers screenings to women who meet income and insurance eligibility requirements. Ask our staff about program qualification.

Financial concerns should never delay potentially lifesaving screening. Our patient services team helps you find solutions to make mammography accessible.

How Often You Should Get Screened After You Start

You’ve answered “when should I start getting mammograms” for yourself. Now you’re wondering about frequency.

Once you begin mammogram screenings, maintaining a consistent schedule matters more than the exact frequency.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 54. Women age 55 and older choose annual screening or switch to biennial (every two years) screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years for women ages 40 to 74. Their modeling suggests biennial screening provides substantial mortality reduction while reducing false positives compared to annual screening.

Women with elevated risk factors typically need more frequent screening. High-risk categories include:

Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Previous breast biopsies showing certain conditions
Dense breast tissue
Previous chest radiation therapy
Genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2

Your doctor will help create a personalized screening schedule reflecting your individual risk level.

Consistency delivers the greatest benefit. Regular mammograms allow radiologists to compare images over time. Small changes become visible when doctors review your screening history. Sporadic screening makes comparison difficult.

Mark your calendar when you schedule each mammogram. Set a reminder for your next screening as soon as you complete the current one. Building this habit ensures you don’t let screening lapses occur.

When Should I Start Getting Mammograms? Scenarios Based on Your Situation

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. When should I start getting mammograms based on YOUR specific situation?

If you’re 42 with no family history: starting screening now gives you a baseline for comparison. Most women in your situation choose annual mammograms. Your insurance covers this with no out-of-pocket cost.

If you’re 38 with a BRCA mutation, you should already be screening. Let’s get you scheduled immediately. You need both mammography and MRI annually.

If you’re 55 and healthy, you have options. Annual or biennial? Let’s discuss what fits your life. Some women prefer the peace of mind from annual screening. Others appreciate less frequent appointments.

If you’re 35 with a mother diagnosed at age 40: Start screening now. Your risk is elevated. We’ll create a personalized plan combining mammography with other imaging as needed.

If you’re 48 and just moved to Glen Rose: Welcome to our community. Transfer your previous mammogram records to our office. We’ll review them and schedule your next screening.

Call our radiology department at 254-897-1432 to discuss your specific situation.

mammogram glen rose Texas

Mammogram Services at Glen Rose Medical Center

You don’t need to travel to Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin for quality mammography. Glen Rose Medical Center brings advanced breast cancer screening technology close to home.

Our imaging center is on Holden Street, right near Oakdale Park. Many women schedule their mammogram, then grab coffee at a local cafe afterward. Make it part of your self-care routine.

Our radiology department offers comprehensive breast imaging services:

3D Digital Mammography with Computer-Aided Detection: Our state-of-the-art equipment captures multiple images from different angles. Computer software assists our radiologists in identifying potential abnormalities. This technology increases cancer detection while reducing callbacks for additional imaging.

Same-Week Appointments: We understand screening anxiety. Most women schedule appointments within the same week they call. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your work and family commitments.

Walk-In Follow-Up Screening: If your mammogram requires additional imaging, we often accommodate walk-in appointments. Quick follow-up reduces the stress of waiting.

Board-Certified Radiologists: Our experienced radiologists analyze every mammogram. They provide detailed reports to your physician, typically within 24 hours. Their expertise ensures accurate readings and appropriate recommendations.

Comfortable, Private Environment: Our imaging center provides a comfortable setting staffed by compassionate female technologists. We prioritize your dignity and comfort throughout the screening process.

To schedule your 3D mammogram: Call 254-897-1405.

For radiology department questions: Call 254-897-1432

Main hospital line: 254-897-2215

Visit our radiology services page for complete information about all imaging services we provide.

Your Questions About When Should I Start Getting Mammograms, Answered

At what age should I get my first mammogram?

Most women should start between the ages of 40 and 45. The exact age depends on your personal risk factors. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, or previous chest radiation should start earlier, sometimes as young as 25 or 30. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor.

How often should I get a mammogram after 40?

Medical organizations recommend either annual screening or screening every two years. The American Cancer Society suggests yearly mammograms until age 55, then switching to every two years if you choose. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years starting at age 40. Your doctor will help you choose a schedule that matches your risk level and preferences.

Are mammograms covered by insurance?

Yes. Most insurance plans cover screening mammograms with zero out-of-pocket costs starting at age 40. The Affordable Care Act requires this coverage. Medicare also covers annual screening mammograms. Check your specific policy for details about frequency and any requirements.

What happens during a mammogram?

A technologist positions your breast on a flat plate. Another plate compresses your breast from above for 10 to 15 seconds. This compression helps get clear images. The technologist takes two images of each breast. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You return to normal activities immediately after.

How much does a mammogram cost without insurance?

Costs vary by facility and location. Glen Rose Medical Center offers transparent self-pay pricing. Call 254-897-1405 before your appointment to discuss costs. Texas also offers programs providing free or low-cost mammograms to women who qualify based on income and insurance status through the CDC’s screening program.

What if my mammogram shows something abnormal?

Additional imaging or a biopsy may be needed to evaluate suspicious findings. About 10% of screening mammograms require follow-up. Most findings turn out to be benign (not cancer). Our team guides you through every step if follow-up becomes necessary.

Take Action for Your Health Today

Breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Early detection through 3D mammography dramatically improves survival rates. Women diagnosed at early stages have a 99% five-year survival rate.

The right time to start screening is sooner than many women realize. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Most breast cancers cause no symptoms in the early stages when treatment works best.

Schedule your mammogram now:

Call 254-897-1405 for imaging appointments
Call 254-897-2215 for general information
Visit our contact page to send a message

You can also request an appointment online through our website. Our friendly staff will confirm your appointment and address any questions you may have.

Glen Rose Medical Center is located at 1021 Holden St., Glen Rose, Texas 76043. We serve Somervell County and surrounding communities with compassionate, expert care.

About The Author

Written by the Head of Radiology Department at Glen Rose Medical Center, a board-certified radiologist with over 20 years of experience in diagnostic imaging and women’s health screenings. Our radiology team is committed to providing accurate, compassionate breast cancer screening services to our community.

References and Additional Resources:

When Should You Start Getting Mammograms?