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Breast cancer risk increases with age, with approximately 41% of all cases occurring in women 65 and older. Given this, many older women ask, "How often do you need a mammogram after age 65?" to ensure they are taking the best steps for their health.
While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends routine breast cancer screening for women aged 40 to 74, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what age should I stop mammograms?. The decision to continue or stop mammograms after age 75 requires a personalized conversation with a doctor, taking into account individual health status and life expectancy.
For women aged 75 and older, the decision to continue breast cancer screening becomes more nuanced than for younger age groups. While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine mammography after age 74, this doesn't mean screening automatically stops. An individualized approach is key to determining if a 75 year old woman needs a mammogram, balancing potential benefits against personal risks and preferences.
According to the American Cancer Society, regular breast cancer screening with mammography should continue for as long as a woman is in good health and has a life expectancy of 10 or more years. There is no single, mandatory age at which a mammogram is no longer recommended, as the decision is based on individual health and life expectancy rather than age alone.
