(Photo By Flickr User Gerald Geronimo)

The new recommendations on breast cancer screening say all women should begin having yearly mammograms at age 45, and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55.

The new recommendations on breast cancer screenings are as follows:

-Women with an average risk of breast cancer – most women – should begin yearly mammograms at age 45

-Women should be able to start the screening as early as age 40, if they want to. It’s a good idea to start talking to your health care provider at age 40 about when you should begin screening.

-At age 55, women should have mammograms every other year – though women who want to keep having yearly mammograms should be able to do so.

-Regular mammograms should continue for as long as a woman is in good health.

-Breast exams, either from a medical provider or self-exams, are no longer recommended.

Breast exams are no longer a part of the screening recommendations because research does not show they provide a clear benefit. Still, the American Cancer Society says all women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their health care provider right away.

According to cancer.org (American Cancer Society), they state that the best way to know when to begin screening for mammograms and how often to get screenings is to talk to your medical provider. The best way to know when to begin screening for mammograms and how often to get screenings is to talk to your medical provider.

The tips for talking to your doctor on this matter are as follows:

-Begin talking to your medical provider about breast cancer screening by age 40.

-Share your family history and personal medical history to determine whether you are at average risk or higher risk for breast cancer.

-Understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of breast cancer screening. Mammograms will find most, but not all breast cancers.

The guidelines/recommendations are for women at average risk for breast cancer. Women at high risk because of family history, a breast condition (or another reason), need to begin screening earlier and/or more often. Take the time out and talk to your medical provider to be sure.

Learn more about breast cancer screening by calling the American Cancer Society anytime day or night at 1-800-227-2345 or visiting us at cancer.org/breastcancer.