How often should a 47-year-old woman have a mammogram?

The recommendation for mammogram screening typically suggests that women should begin having mammograms at age 40 and continue annually until age 54. At age 55, women can switch to biennial screening or continue with annual mammograms based on individual health needs and personal preferences.

Choosing to have the screening yearly until age 55 is important as it allows for early detection of breast abnormalities when treatment is most effective. After 55, the option to transition to screening every two years allows for an adequate balance between detecting potential issues and minimizing unnecessary procedures, depending on a woman's overall risk factors.

This aligns with many guidelines provided by organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which emphasize personalized decision-making in breast cancer screening based on individual risk factors.