When to go for mammograms 

The age for when to begin going for mammograms is not specified. It is best to speak to a doctor regarding your own personal risks factors and your preferences so that you can both decide on creating a screening schedule that is best suited to you. Occasionally breast ultrasounds will be recommended for younger women, until they are of the age recommended for mammogram screening.  

There are however some general rules or guidelines to follow for when mammograms should begin as a regular occurrence, these include:  

• Women who have a moderate risk of developing breast cancer: In this case, it is recommended that women begin going for mammograms when they are age 40 and over. Generally screening once every second year is recommended, but from the age of 45, an annual mammogram should form part of one's overall health screening appointments.  
• Women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer: In this case, women are recommended to begin screening before the age of 40. Risk factors include those with a family history of breast cancer in their family history or those who have a personal history of cancer or where precancerous lesions have been detected. This may also result in your doctor recommending an MRI as a combination procedure along with regular mammograms.