A significant proportion of women in the United States continue to undergo annual mammography screenings despite medical guidelines recommending biennial screening, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on March 25.

The study, led by Meehir N. Dixit from Brown University School of Public Health, analyzed data from the 2019 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Researchers examined self-reported mammography screening patterns among 20,034 women aged 40 to 84 who had no history of breast cancer.

Findings revealed that while 68.1 percent of participants reported having undergone a mammogram in the past two years, 75.2 percent of them had screenings within the past year—suggesting a higher-than-recommended screening frequency.

Certain demographic groups were more likely to report annual screenings. Women aged 40 to 44 and 55 to 74 were more likely to undergo mammograms every year compared to those aged 45 to 54 or 75 to 84. Additionally, non-Hispanic Black women, college-educated individuals, those with private insurance, and women residing in the Northeast or Midwest had higher rates of annual screenings. Other factors associated with more frequent screening included being married, having a higher income, and having attended a wellness check-up or physical exam in the past year.

Notably, 71.1 percent of women aged 65 to 84 with a life expectancy of less than 10 years, who had undergone mammograms in the past two years, also reported screening in the past year—raising questions about the necessity of such frequent testing for older women with limited life expectancy.

The researchers suggest that targeted interventions may be necessary to better align mammography practices with guidelines that recommend biennial screening. “Multilevel interventions to inform women aged 40 years or older of the option to screen biennially may be appropriate for health systems or programs choosing to follow guidelines recommending biennial screening,” the study authors noted.

The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and adherence to screening recommendations, ensuring that mammography use remains both effective and necessary without leading to potential over-screening