ACP Recommends Biennial Mammograms for Average-Risk Women Aged 50-74

New guidance also covers screening for women aged 40-49 and discontinuing screening for those 75+.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:03am by

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the delicate structures and tissues within a human breast, conveying the clinical yet vital importance of breast cancer screening.A translucent X-ray image reveals the intricate inner workings of the breast, highlighting the need for regular mammography screening to detect cancer early.San Francisco Today

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new guidance on breast cancer screening, recommending that all asymptomatic, average-risk women ages 50 to 74 undergo biennial screening mammography. The guidance also covers screening advice for women aged 40-49, when to discontinue screening, and screening for women with dense breasts.

Why it matters

This updated guidance from a leading medical organization aims to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to help physicians and patients make informed decisions about breast cancer screening. The recommendations balance the potential benefits and harms of screening at different ages, which is important given ongoing debates around mammography guidelines.

The details

According to the ACP guidance, women aged 40-49 should discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their doctors, as the benefits may be less certain in this age group. For women 75 and older, or those with limited life expectancy, the ACP advises discussing discontinuing routine screening, as the benefits become more uncertain while the risks of overdiagnosis increase. For women with dense breasts, the ACP recommends considering supplemental digital breast tomosynthesis, but advises against using MRI or ultrasound for screening.

  • The new ACP guidance was published on April 17, 2026.

The players

American College of Physicians (ACP)

The largest medical specialty organization in the United States, with over 163,000 internal medicine physician members worldwide.

Jason M. Goldman, MD, MACP

President of the American College of Physicians.

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What they’re saying

“Screening for breast cancer is essential and should be guided by the best available evidence. ACP developed this guidance to provide physicians and females with the information they need to make breast cancer screening decisions, including when to start and discontinue, how often to screen, and which methods to use for screening.”

— Jason M. Goldman, MD, MACP, President of the American College of Physicians

The takeaway

This updated guidance from the ACP aims to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to help physicians and patients make informed decisions about breast cancer screening, balancing the potential benefits and harms at different ages and for women with varying risk factors.