skip to main content

Breast Cancer Screening — ABFM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyBreast Cancer ScreeningBreast Cancer ScreeningABFM Board

A 46-year-old woman at average risk asks when to begin screening mammography. What does USPSTF currently recommend?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: BStart at 40; biennial 40-74

For an average-risk 46-year-old woman, the current USPSTF recommendation is to perform screening mammography every 2 years from age 40 through 74 years. This is a change from the older approach of routinely starting at 50. Dense breasts alone do not create a USPSTF recommendation to start at 35 or to add routine supplemental ultrasound/MRI after a normal mammogram; evidence is considered insufficient for supplemental screening based solely on breast density. Therefore, the correct answer is B: start at 40; biennial screening from 40 to 74.

Reference: US Preventive Services Task Force. Breast Cancer: Screening. Final Recommendation Statement, 2024. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening