Mammogram guidelines vary among sources such as the American Cancer Society and US Preventive Services Task Force, and based on individual needs, but it is generally recommended women start to receive mammograms later in life between their 40s and 50s. However, recent research shows that certain women as young as 30 could benefit from breast cancer screening.

HealthDay spoke with Cindy Lee, MD, NYU Langone radiologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Radiology, about her recent research study. “So far, everyone is talking about screening women above the age of 40, but we’re looking at a decade earlier because there’s just not enough evidence out there,” Dr. Lee says. “We’re looking to see if younger women with certain risk factors may benefit from earlier-onset screening mammography.”

The three risk factors in the study include breast density, prior prognosis of breast cancer, and breast cancer family history. Dr. Lee found that some women with high risk of breast cancer do benefit from earlier screening, but believes more research needs to be done.

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