Breast cancer screening is recommended every 1-2 years for what age range?

• A. Every 1-2 years starting at age 40 to 74
• B. Annual screening from age 40 to 74
• C. Starting at age 40 to 74 with the option to continue at 75 if life expectancy > 10 years
• D. Screening only if risk factors present

Answer: (C)

Screening mammography in average-risk women is designed to detect cancer early while limiting harms from false positives and overdiagnosis. The typical approach is to start at about age 40 and continue through the mid-70s, with an interval of every 1-2 years rather than yearly. Continuing screening beyond age 75 is considered based on life expectancy; if a person is likely to live more than 10 more years, the potential benefits may still outweigh harms.

So the best choice reflects starting at 40, stopping around 74, with the option to continue at 75 if life expectancy is >10 years. The other options either use the wrong interval, exclude the possibility of extending beyond 75 when appropriate, or apply screening only to those with risk factors, which isn’t the standard for average-risk women.