Book mammograms when eligible
Screening mammograms can find breast cancer before symptoms and reduce the chance of dying from it.
The number, drawn
Why it matters
Mammography can find cancers while treatment is more effective. The USPSTF changed its guidance in 2024 to screening every other year from ages 40 to 74. Screening can also cause false alarms and detect cancers that would never have caused harm, so benefits and harms both matter.
How to do it
- Check when your next screening mammogram is due.
- Use your local programme: the US schedule is every 2 years at ages 40 to 74, the NHS invites every 3 years from 50 to 71, and the EU recommends ages 50 to 69.
- Tell the service about previous breast cancer, chest radiation or a strong family history.
- Complete any requested follow-up imaging or biopsy.
A new lump, nipple change or other symptom needs prompt assessment even after a normal mammogram. Higher risk and age 75 or older require an individualized plan. Trans and non-binary people may also be eligible depending on anatomy and hormone treatment; ask your GP or screening service.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Choose one thing to tell the screening service when booking: an implant, access need, previous breast cancer or family history.
5 minutes
Check your local screening invitation or due date and contact the service to book or change the appointment if needed.
15 minutes
Prepare details of previous mammograms, breast treatment and family history; check where to attend and request any support you need.
A plan
From invitation to result
- Check the local schedule and discuss any higher risk history with your clinician.
- Book or confirm an appointment that you can attend.
- Attend and ask when and how you will receive results.
- Complete any requested imaging or biopsy and record the next due date.
In real life
- If the offered mammogram time does not work, contact the service to change it.
- Tell the service about breast implants or mobility needs so it can plan the appointment.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeA new lump needs assessment even after a normal mammogram, so contact a clinician rather than waiting for screening.
- Common mistakeA missed appointment is not a reason to give up, so contact the programme to rebook.
Trusted guides
In Austria
In Austria, the e-card of women aged 45 to 74 is automatically enabled for a screening mammogram every 2 years. Women aged 40 to 44 or over 74 can opt in through MeineSV with ID Austria or the free serviceline 0800 500 181.
Österreichisches Brustkrebs-Früherkennungsprogramm, frueh-erkennen.at checked
In Belgium (Flanders), women aged 50 to 69 are invited every two years for a screening mammogram, fully free with a Belgian health insurance fund.
Centrum voor Kankeropsporing, Bevolkingsonderzoek Vlaanderen checked
In Czechia, women from 45 can have a screening mammogram every 2 years with a referral from their gynaecologist or GP, and women over 69 can continue. From 40 you can have it at your own cost.
In Germany, women aged 50 to 75 are invited to a screening mammogram every 2 years. If your last screening was at least 22 months ago, you can also book an appointment yourself.
Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss checked
In Spain, the national programme has offered a mammogram every two years to women aged 50 to 69. On 20 May 2026 the Public Health Commission approved extending it to women aged 45 to 74, still every two years, with regions given up to three years to start and up to six years to reach near-full invitation coverage.
Ministerio de Sanidad checked
In the Netherlands, the first breast screening invitation comes between 49 and 52, then every 2 years until the year you turn 76. Invitations are temporarily later than usual because of staff shortages.
Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland checked
In Poland, women aged 45 to 74 (age counted by year of birth) can have a free mammogram without a referral if they have had none in the last 2 years. Book through IKP or mojeIKP, or visit a mammobus.
Pacjent.gov.pl checked
In Ukraine, population breast cancer screening covers women aged 50 to 69, and women with risk factors from 40. It means a breast examination by the primary care doctor or gynaecologist and a referral for mammography every 2 years.
Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Order No. 1368 (official text on zakon.rada.gov.ua) checked
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- USPSTF 2024 evidence review and modeling, supported by NCI screening guidance
- The number
- Mammograms every 2 years at ages 40 to 74 (USPSTF, 2024)
- Outcome
- US mammography interval for average risk women aged 40 to 74
- Comparison
- USPSTF schedule; local programmes and higher risk pathways differ
- Tier 1 guidelineBreast Cancer: Screening, Final Recommendation StatementUSPSTF, 2024
- Tier 1 guidelineScreening for Breast CancerNIH NCI, 2025
- Tier 1 guidelineCouncil Recommendation on a new EU approach on cancer screeningCouncil of the European Union, 2022
- Tier 1 guidelineWho breast screening is forNHS, 2025
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.