New ACR Guidelines For Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

In 2023, the American College of Radiology (ACR) issued updated guidelines stating that all women should undergo a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to allow for planning of any appropriate supplemental screening.  The ACR has determined that this risk assessment is especially critical for black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, who are at higher risk of genetic mutations, and for black and other minority women, who are at higher risk of breast cancer at younger ages.

For women categorized as average risk, the ACR maintains its recommendation of annual breast screening via mammography, beginning at the age of 40. This annual screening remains a cornerstone of early breast cancer detection and facilitating earlier treatment options.

The ACR’s updated guidelines for breast cancer screening offer a commonsense step forward for personalized healthcare. These recommendations emphasize the importance of early assessment, especially for those with heightened risk. The conversation between women and their healthcare providers now serves as the backbone of crafting a screening strategy that offers the best chance at early detection and, ultimately, saving lives. By staying informed and engaging in these discussions, women can take proactive steps to protect their breast health and overall well-being.

For more information on ACR breast screening guidelines, please visit the ACR website: https://www.acr.org/Media-Center/ACR-News-Releases/2023/New-ACR-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-call-for-earlier-screening-for-high-risk-women

For more information on breast screening practices, please visit the website: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/screening-breast

Written by: The RAYUS Quality Institute and Dr. Kellie Schenk