What is the Best Age to Begin Mammograms?

Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early but the suggested age to begin doing mammograms is more confusing than ever.
A few years ago, a government taskforce recommended that women begin regular mammograms at 50 instead of 40.  Now, a new study contradicts that advice by saying starting mammograms sooner could dramatically cut the number of breast cancer deaths.
Researchers at Harvard University found that 71 percent of breast cancer patients had not had a mammogram prior to diagnosis and half were under 50 years old, which seems to support the American Cancer Society’s recommendation that women get yearly mammograms once turning 40.   The changing recommendations are confusing for many women and some say that it’s difficult to keep up with the constant changes.
For those who are not at high risk of breast cancer, clinical breast exams are recommended every two to three years starting in your 20s; however, those with family members who have been diagnosed may wish to speak with their doctor about a more aggressive screening option.