Today, we are outlining key guidance from the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidance statement on Screening for Breast Cancer in Asymptomatic, Average-Risk Adult Females. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and predominantly affects females, highlighting the importance of screening approaches that balance benefits, harms, and patient preferences. This statement supports clinicians in decision-making regarding when to initiate, continue, or discontinue screening.

View the full-text version for the most thorough explanation of the following guidance. 

Key Elements from the 2026 ACP Statement
  • In asymptomatic, average-risk females aged 40 to 49 years, clinicians should discuss the female’s risk of breast cancer, values and preferences, and uncertainty around benefits and harms of screening for breast cancer. Following shared decision making, if a female in this population prefers to get screened for breast cancer, clinicians should then initiate screening mammography every 2 years (biennial).
  • In asymptomatic, average-risk females aged 50 to 74 years, clinicians should use biennial mammography for screening for breast cancer.
  • In asymptomatic, average-risk females aged 75 years or older or asymptomatic, average-risk females with a limited life expectancy, clinicians should discuss discontinuation of breast cancer screening based on shared decision making that includes the female’s risk of breast cancer, values and preferences, and uncertainty around benefits and harms of screening for breast cancer.
  • In asymptomatic, average-risk adult females with breast density of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category C or D, clinicians should consider using supplemental digital breast tomosynthesis based on benefits, harms, additional radiation exposure, availability, values and preferences, and cost.
  • In asymptomatic, average-risk adult females with breast density of BI-RADS category C or D, clinicians should not use supplemental magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound.

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