Category: Diseases and injuries

When To Have a Mammogram

updated June 18, 2026

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.

According to a report published in JAMA, screening mammograms can reduce deaths from breast cancer. Breast exams done routinely do not decrease mortality.

Screening guidelines also do not apply to women with breast symptoms suggestive of cancer.These women need appropriate diagnostic testing which might include mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and/or biopsy. 

Breast cancer screening and treatment: One size doesn't fit all. bras hanging on a clothes line
photo from Medline, National Library of Medicine

American Cancer Society screening recommendations for women at average breast cancer risk

These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. (See below for guidelines for women at high risk.)

  • Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
  • Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
  • Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
  • All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.

Clinical breast exams (physical exams done by a health professional) are not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.

These are guidelines for physicians to apply to each individual patient, not hard and fast rules. Some physicians may choose to follow the guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)  

  • For ages 40-49 years, individualize the decision to screen every 2 years
  • For ages 50-74 years, screen every 2 years
  • For ages 75 years and older there is no recommendation.

Both organizations recommend that physicians discuss the decision to screen or not to screen with patients and base the decision after considering possible harms versus potential benefit.

And while breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, it is treatable and the chance of long term survival is high.

American Cancer Society screening recommendations for women at high risk

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30. This includes women who:

  • Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history (see below)
  • Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (based on having had genetic testing)
  • Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
  • Had radiation therapy to the chest before they were 30 years old
  • Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

How Moms-to-Be Can Manage Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is common and usually begins in the first month, lasting until week 14 or 16. Causes are unclear but may involve hormonal changes. Most women experience mild symptoms, which can be managed with dietary adjustments and home remedies, though medical advice is necessary for severe cases.

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of the day during pregnancy.

Basic Facts About Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is very common. Most pregnant women have at least some nausea, and about one-third have vomiting.

Morning sickness most often begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues through the 14th to 16th week (3rd or 4th month). Some women have nausea and vomiting through their entire pregnancy.

Morning sickness does not hurt the baby in any way unless you lose weight, such as with severe vomiting. Mild weight loss during the first trimester is not uncommon when women have moderate symptoms, and is not harmful to the baby.

The amount of morning sickness during one pregnancy does not predict how you will feel in future pregnancies.

Causes

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. It may be caused by hormone changes or lower blood sugar during early pregnancy. Emotional stress, fatigue, traveling, or some foods can make the problem worse. Nausea in pregnancy is more common and can be worse with twins or triplets.

Caring for Yourself

Try to keep a positive attitude. Remember that in most cases morning sickness stops after the first 3 or 4 months of pregnancy. To reduce nausea, try:

  • A few soda crackers or dry toast when you first wake up, even before you get out of bed in the morning.
  • A small snack at bedtime and when getting up to use the toilet at night.
  • Avoid large meals; instead, snack as often as every 1 to 2 hours during the day and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Eat foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates, such as peanut butter on apple slices or celery; nuts; cheese; crackers; milk; cottage cheese; and yogurt; avoid foods high in fat and salt, but low in nutrition.
  • Ginger products (proven effective against morning sickness) such as ginger tea, ginger candy, and ginger soda.

Here are some more tips:

  • Acupressure wrist bands or acupuncture may help. You can find these bands in drug, health food, and travel and boating stores. If you are thinking about trying acupuncture, talk to your health care provider and look for an acupuncturist who is trained to work with pregnant women.
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
  • Avoid taking medicines for morning sickness. If you want to try this approach, ask your provider first.
  • Keep air flowing through rooms to reduce odors.
  • When you feel nauseated, bland foods like gelatin, broth, ginger ale, and saltine crackers can soothe your stomach.
  • Take your prenatal vitamins at night. Increase vitamin B6 in your diet by eating whole grains, nuts, seeds, and peas and beans (legumes). Talk to your provider about possibly taking vitamin B6 supplements. Doxylamine is another medicine that is sometimes prescribed and is known to be safe.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your provider if:

  • Morning sickness does not improve, despite trying home remedies.
  • Nausea and vomiting continue beyond your 4th month of pregnancy. This happens to some women. In most cases this is normal, but you should have it checked out.
  • You vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. (Contact your provider immediately.)
  • You vomit more than 3 times per day or you cannot keep food or liquid down.
  • Your urine appears to be concentrated and dark, or you urinate very infrequently.
  • You have excessive weight loss.

“Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine”https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003119.htm, accessessed April 15, 2026

Review Date 8/18/2025

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Cover image by Photo by Ivan S on Pexels.com

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