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Breast cancer screening in average-risk patient — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyPreventive Medicine, Epidemiology, BiostatisticsBreast cancer screening in average-risk patientUSMLE Step 3

A 42-year-old woman comes for a health maintenance visit. She has no breast symptoms, no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and no prior chest radiation. She asks when routine mammography should start because her friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46. Which of the following is the most appropriate screening recommendation?

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Correct answer: A — Biennial screening mammography beginning now

For average-risk women, the USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography from age 40 through 74 years. MRI and genetic testing are reserved for increased-risk contexts.

Reference: USPSTF preventive services recommendations