When it comes to breast cancer, early detection can make all the difference. That’s where mammogram screenings come in, a simple yet powerful tool that helps spot changes in breast tissue before symptoms even appear. But one question often comes up: When should I start?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While there are general guidelines, your personal risk factors, like family history or genetic predisposition, can influence the timing. In this article, we break down when to start screening and why paying attention to timing could quite literally be life-saving.

When Do Most Women Start Mammogram Screenings?

For women at average risk, many healthcare organisations recommend starting routine mammograms at age 40. From there, screenings are usually done every 1 to 2 years, depending on your health, preferences, and your doctor’s advice.

By age 50, mammogram screening is more widely recommended and sometimes becomes part of a national health screening programme, depending on where you live.

Why start at 40? Because the risk of breast cancer starts to rise at this age, and mammograms have been shown to catch cancers earlier in women in their 40s, when they’re often smaller and easier to treat.

How Family History or Genetic Risk Changes the Timeline

If breast cancer runs in your family, you may need to start screening before 40. You’re considered higher risk if:

• You have a mother, sister, or daughter who was diagnosed with breast cancer (especially before menopause).
  
• You carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
  
• There’s a pattern of breast or ovarian cancer in multiple family members across generations.
  

In these cases, your doctor might suggest starting mammograms in your 30s, or even earlier, along with other imaging tests such as breast ultrasound or MRI. They may also recommend genetic counselling to assess your risk in more detail.

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Breast cancer is often more treatable when caught early. Mammograms can detect tumours before they’re big enough to feel and before symptoms develop, giving women a chance to start treatment earlier, with more options and a higher chance of success.

Early detection through regular screening has been shown to:

• Lower the risk of dying from breast cancer
• Reduce the need for more aggressive treatment (like mastectomy or chemotherapy)
• Help preserve breast tissue and overall quality of life

It’s worth noting that not all breast cancers are fast-growing. Some develop slowly over time, making consistent screening important for picking up subtle changes.

Don’t Rely on Symptoms Alone

Many women assume they don’t need a mammogram because they feel fine or have no symptoms, but by the time a lump can be felt, the cancer may already be more developed.

Screening is designed to catch things early, before you notice a difference. Even if you have no family history and feel healthy, regular mammograms are still an important part of staying proactive about your health.

Let’s Talk About Your Breast Screening Plan

Every woman’s situation is different. That’s why it’s important to have a personalised conversation with a healthcare professional who understands your medical background and risk factors. From deciding the right age to start, to choosing how often to screen, your plan should be tailored to you, not based on general rules alone.

Book Your Mammogram at The Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic

If you’re approaching 40, or wondering if you should be screened sooner, Dr Radhika Lakshmanan and the team at The Radhika Breast & General Surgery Clinic are here to guide you.

We’ll help you understand your risk, discuss when to start screening, and ensure you feel informed every step of the way. Whether it’s your first mammogram or time for a follow-up, we’re here to support your breast health journey.

Book a consultation or screening appointment today, because when it comes to breast cancer, timing truly matters.