What Age Do Mammograms Stop? Understanding the Guidelines and Your Health

According to federal data from 2019, more than 54% of women aged 75 and older had a mammogram, despite varying recommendations. The question of what age do mammograms stop is complex, with no single answer and a heavy emphasis on individual health, life expectancy, and shared decision-making with a healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

Current recommendations for ceasing mammogram screenings vary by organization, with most advising individualized discussions for women over 74 based on overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences.

Key Points

• No Single Stop Age: There is no mandatory age to stop mammogram screening; guidelines vary by organization.

• USPSTF Age 74 Recommendation: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening until age 74, but offers no guidance for women 75 and older due to a lack of evidence.

• ACS Life Expectancy Rule: The American Cancer Society suggests continuing screening as long as a woman is in good health and has a life expectancy of at least 10 years.

• Individualized Decision for Older Women: For women over 75, the decision to continue or stop mammograms should be made in consultation with a doctor, considering overall health and personal risk factors.

• Shared Decision-Making is Key: Shared decision-making with a healthcare provider is the recommended approach for older women to discuss the benefits and harms of continued screening.

• Risk of Over-diagnosis Increases with Age: The potential for over-diagnosis (finding a slow-growing cancer that wouldn't have caused harm) and the side effects of treatment are important considerations for older women.

Major health organizations provide different guidelines on when to stop routine mammogram screening. Instead of a strict cutoff age, many experts recommend that women and their doctors use shared decision-making, especially as women approach their mid-70s. This personalized approach considers a woman's health, expected lifespan, and her views on the benefits and risks of continued screening.

Leading Guidelines for Mammogram Cessation

Guidelines from prominent health organizations differ for older women:

• American Cancer Society (ACS): The ACS suggests screening should continue for women in good health with a life expectancy of at least 10 more years, without a specific age limit.
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): The USPSTF recommends screening every two years for women aged 40 to 74 at average risk. For women 75 and older, they state there's not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine screening.
• Other organizations: Groups like ACOG, ACR, and NCCN often support annual screening starting at age 40 and continuing for healthy women, with some suggesting risk assessment by age 25.

Factors Influencing the Decision to Stop Screening

Discussing these factors with a doctor is crucial for women nearing or past the age where guidelines diverge:

1. Overall Health and Comorbidities: A woman's general health is a key factor. For those with serious health issues, the risks of screening and treatment might outweigh the benefits. The risk of over-diagnosis also increases with age.
2. Life Expectancy: Organizations like the ACS tie continued screening to a life expectancy of at least 10 years, as the benefits of early detection take time to appear. Your doctor can help estimate your prognosis.
3. Personal Risk Factors: Risk factors like family history or genetic mutations remain relevant and can support continued screening at older ages.
4. Benefits vs. Harms: This involves weighing the potential to find and treat cancer early against risks like false positives and over-treatment of slow-growing cancers.

Comparison of Mammogram Screening Guidelines for Women 75+

Feature	American Cancer Society (ACS)	U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)	Other Major Guidelines (e.g., ACR)
Screening age for average risk	Annual screening until age 55, then every 1-2 years.	Biennial (every 2 years) screening, ages 40–74.	Annual screening, starting at age 40.
Guidance for age 75+	Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and has a life expectancy of 10+ years.	Insufficient evidence to assess benefits/harms, no recommendation for or against.	Decision to continue depends on individual health, life expectancy, and risk factors.
Decision-making process	Emphasizes shared decision-making based on overall health and life expectancy.	Recommends individualized, shared decision-making for women over 74.	Advocates for individualized risk assessment and shared decision-making with a physician.
Emphasis	Health-based continuation, with no specific age cutoff.	Evidence-based age cutoff (74) due to lack of data beyond that point.	Tailored recommendations based on a full risk assessment.

Shared Decision-Making with Your Doctor

Due to varying guidelines, discussing continued screening with a primary care provider is the most responsible approach for women nearing or over age 75. Shared decision-making is often recommended to guide this conversation, involving both the doctor and patient in determining the best path based on individual circumstances. This discussion should cover the potential benefits and risks of continued screening and the patient's willingness to undergo treatment if cancer is found.

How to Initiate the Conversation

1. Schedule a dedicated appointment: Allow ample time to discuss this complex topic.
2. Come prepared with questions: Consider your priorities regarding false positives, over-treatment, and early detection.
3. Review your health history: Provide a complete picture of your health, family history, and vitality to your doctor.
4. Consider a 10-year outlook: Discuss your estimated life expectancy and how it relates to the potential benefits of screening.
5. Use decision aids: Ask your doctor about tools that can provide personalized information on continuing versus stopping screening.

Conclusion

There is no mandatory age to stop mammograms, but guidelines differ. The USPSTF notes insufficient evidence past age 74, while the ACS recommends continuing if a woman is in good health with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. The final decision should be a personalized one, made through shared decision-making with a healthcare provider, considering individual health, life expectancy, and the balance of potential benefits and harms.

Citations

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. "Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Breast Cancer." Accessed September 28, 2025.
• American Cancer Society. "ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines." Accessed September 28, 2025.
• AARP. "Do You Still Need a Mammogram After 75?" Accessed September 28, 2025.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Breast Cancer Screening in Older Women." Accessed September 28, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do most doctors recommend stopping mammograms?

Most major medical organizations recommend that women have a discussion with their doctor about continuing or stopping mammograms once they reach age 75. For women with a life expectancy of 10 or more years and in good health, continuing to screen may be beneficial.

Why do guidelines for mammograms change for older women?

Guidelines change for older women because the balance of benefits and harms shifts with age. Clinical trial evidence for women over 74 is limited, and risks like false positives, over-diagnosis, and the potential impact of treatment increase, especially for those with other health conditions.

What is 'shared decision-making' in the context of mammograms?

Shared decision-making is a process where a woman and her healthcare provider discuss the options for continued screening, including the potential benefits and harms, taking into account the woman's personal health status and preferences. This ensures the decision aligns with her individual needs and values.

Can continuing mammograms after age 75 be beneficial?

Yes, a recent study from UCLA found that women in their 80s who continued screening were more likely to have cancer detected at an earlier, more treatable stage and had a higher overall survival rate. This is particularly true for women who are in good overall health and expect to live at least another 10 years.

What are the risks of continuing mammograms at an older age?

Risks include false positives, which can lead to anxiety and unnecessary follow-up procedures like biopsies. There is also a greater risk of over-diagnosis, where a slow-growing cancer is detected and treated aggressively, potentially causing more harm than the cancer itself.

Does insurance cover mammograms for women over 75?

Yes, in the United States, Medicare typically covers baseline mammograms as a free preventive service for women 40 and older. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic mammograms, though copayments may apply.

If I am in good health and over 75, should I continue my mammograms?

If you are in good health with a long life expectancy, many healthcare providers and organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend continuing to screen. However, this decision should be based on a conversation with your doctor about your specific health profile and personal preferences.